167k views
4 votes
Newton wrote the mathematical concepts to prove the _____ shape of planet’s orbits.

spherical
circular
triangular
elliptical

2 Answers

3 votes

Final answer:

Newton wrote the mathematical concepts to prove the elliptical shape of the planets' orbits, building on Kepler's First Law which stated that planetary orbits are ellipses.

Step-by-step explanation:

Isaac Newton wrote the mathematical concepts to prove the elliptical shape of planets' orbits. Kepler's First Law states that the orbits of all planets are ellipses with the Sun at one of the foci. Newton's work built upon this, using the precise data on planetary positions collected by Tycho Brahe, which were integral in Kepler's derivation of his laws of planetary motion. Kepler found that the actual behavior of planets could not be accurately represented by uniform circular motions, leading him to conclude that planetary orbits were indeed elliptical. This understanding was crucial in the history of astronomy as it suggested the universe was more complex than previously thought.

User Omri Bernstein
by
3.5k points
9 votes

Answer:

Eliptical

Step-by-step explanation:

While some orbits may seem circular, like Earth's, it is still an ellipse. Planets orbit stars in an elliptical shape, but some come very close to perfect circles. As for the other two, im certain you have never seen a triangular or spherical orbit. Hope this helps.

User Messanjah
by
3.7k points