The Purpose of Describing Planetary Orbits in Terms of Epicycles

question 87

Multiple Choice

The purpose of describing planetary orbits in terms of epicycles and deferents was to account for the

• A) fact that a planet's speed in its orbit is fastest when it is closest to the Sun.
• B) pattern of alternating conjunctions and oppositions.
• C) pattern of alternating direct and retrograde motion.
• D) general motion of all objects toward the west in the sky each day.

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Definitions:

The ALU

An Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) is a digital circuit used to perform arithmetic and logic operations in computers.

Mathematical Calculations

The process of using mathematical symbols and methods to perform quantifiable measurements and solve numerical problems.

Logical Comparisons

The process of evaluating two or more variables by applying logical operators to determine a true or false outcome.

Moore

Refers to Moore's Law, an observation that the number of transistors on a microchip doubles approximately every two years, though the cost of computers is halved.