Question

Why did Copernicus have to keep small epicycles in his models?

A) To explain retrograde motion
B) To account for elliptical orbits
C) To incorporate gravitational forces
D) To simplify calculations

Answer 1

Copernicus had to keep small epicycles in his models to explain retrograde motion and accurately predict planetary positions.

Step-by-step explanation:

Copernicus had to keep small epicycles in his models to explain retrograde motion. Retrograde motion is the apparent backward motion of a planet in its orbit. Copernicus' model placed the Sun at the center of the solar system, with the planets revolving around it in elliptical orbits. The small epicycles accounted for the variations in speed and direction of the planets' motion, allowing for the accurate prediction of planetary positions.