Orbital motions of astronomical bodies and their centre of mass from different reference frames: A conceptual step between the geocentric and heliocentric models

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2016

Authors

Guerra, AGC (Author) Other; Carvalho, PS (Author) FCUP

Journal

Title: Physics Education

Vol. 51

Final page: 055012

ISSN: 0031-9120

Publisher: Institute of Physics Publishing

Indexing

Scopus - 4 Citations

Scientific classification

CORDIS: Social sciences > Educational sciences > Education > Science education

FOS: Social sciences > Educational sciences

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00K-TZN

DOI: 10.1088/0031-9120/51/5/055012

Abstract (EN): The motion of astronomical bodies and the centre of mass of the system is not always well perceived by students. One of the struggles is the conceptual change of reference frame, which is the same that held back the acceptance of the Heliocentric model over the Geocentric one. To address the question, the notion of centre of mass, motion equations (and their numerical solution for a system of multiple bodies), and change of frame of reference is introduced. The discussion is done based on conceptual and real world examples, using the solar system. Consequently, through the use of simple 'do it yourself' methods and basic equations, students can debate complex motions, and have a wider and potentially effective understanding of physics. © 2016 IOP Publishing Ltd.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific