World History II: The Scientific Revolution

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering the key figures, definitions, and concepts of the Scientific Revolution from World History II Unit 3 a.

Scientific Revolution

A period during the 16th to 18th centuries characterized by dramatic improvements and achievements in fields such as astronomy, math, physics, anatomy, and philosophy, emphasizing reason, observation, and systematic measurement.

Heliocentric Theory

The astronomical model first proposed by Nicolaus Copernicus stating that the Sun is at the center of the solar system rather than the Earth, with planets orbiting the Sun in imaginary ovals.

Law of Gravity

A principle formulated by Isaac Newton stating that all physical objects have a force of attraction between them, where the strength of the force depends on the masses of the objects and the distance between them.

Scientific Method

A systematic approach to science combining logic, mathematics, and observation that helped scientists organize and test data, created by philosophers Francis Bacon and Rene Descartes.

Nicolaus Copernicus

The scientist who was the first to propose the heliocentric theory placing the Sun at the center of the solar system, an idea initially denied by the Catholic Church.

Isaac Newton

The scientist who deduced the Law of Gravity after watching an apple fall from a tree, explaining what makes the Moon orbit the Earth and confirming the heliocentric theory.

Francis Bacon and Rene Descartes

The two philosophers credited with the creation of the scientific method, which established a new approach to science by combining logic, observation, and mathematics.

Johannes Kepler

A prominent scientist of the Scientific Revolution identified alongside Copernicus, Galileo, and Newton for leaving a legacy of useful achievements.

Galileo Galilei

A key scientist of the Scientific Revolution recognized alongside Copernicus, Kepler, and Newton for groundbreaking achievements that impacted modern science.

William Harvey

A notable scientist of the Scientific Revolution era identified as one of the essential figures to study alongside Copernicus, Kepler, Galileo, and Newton.