Question

Evaluate the techniques and models used by Ptolemy and Copernicus to explain the setup of the universe.

Answer 1

Without advanced technology like we have today, Ptolemy and Copernicus tried to best explain the model of the universe through observation. Ptolemy’s model came first and placed a stationary earth at the center of the model. Everything else moved in respect to earth. This was widely accepted since it seemed like earth wasn’t moving. Ptolemy stated that the planetary bodies moved around earth in circular paths. However, this wasn’t always witnessed through observation. He adjusted his model to state that some planets must be moving in secondary orbits.

Copernicus put a rotating earth in a sun-centered model. The rotation of earth was able to account for the rising and setting of stars. The orbital motion of the earth and moon also accounted for the motion of the sun and moon with respect to the stars. This was easier to understand but encountered scrutiny due to its differences from religious teachings.

One big difference between the approaches in the two is that Copernicus didn’t try to adjust his model to match what was going on; he used observations to develop the model. In addition, one common trend in science is that the simplest explanation is usually most accurate or closer to accurate. Copernicus’ model was more straightforward; Ptolemy’s was more complex.

Step-by-step explanation:

Answer 2

Ptolemy believed in the theory that the earth was the center of the universe (geocentric) and it is not moving in the center while Copernicus later proposed otherwise, in his heliocentric theory he believed that the sun was the center of the universe but it was not moving. Both theories were influenced by their observation of how the light shade from the sun changes during the day, and also through observation of other celestial bodies whose light intensity changes which made them arrived to the conclusion that they are not equidistant nor stationary with respect to earth.