Question

With the Heliocentric Theory, how did Copernicus explain the day and night cycle on the Earth?

a
The Sun is also rotating around the Earth at the same time
b
Sunlight is being reflected off of the Moon as it orbits around the Earth
c
The Sun rays interact with the atmosphere at different times of day, creating bright and dark times of the day
d
The Earth is actually rotating around on an axis, changing which side of the planet faces the Sun at any given time

Answer 1

The correct answer is:

d. The Earth is actually rotating around on an axis, changing which side of the planet faces the Sun at any given time.

In the Heliocentric Theory proposed by Copernicus, the rotation of the Earth on its axis is what explains the cycle of day and night, as different parts of the Earth face the Sun and then turn away from it, resulting in varying exposure to sunlight.