Suppose a comet orbits the sun on a highly eccentric orbit with an average (semimajor axis) distance of 1 au. how long does it take to complete each orbit, and how do we know?

Respuesta :

If a comet were to orbit the sun with a highly eccentric orbit and an average (semimajor axis) distance of 1 au, we might use Kepler's third law of planetary motion to determine that each orbit would take one year to complete.

To find the answer, we need to know about the Kepler's third law of planetary motion.

What is Kepler's third law of planetary motion?

  • The period of a planet's orbit (T) squared is equal to the size of the semi-major axis of the orbit (a) cubed when it is stated in astronomical units because T² ∝ a³ according to Kepler's Third Law.
  • In reality, Kepler's Third Law compares a planet's orbital period and radius to those of other planets.
  • Thus,

                       [tex]a=1AU\\T=(1)^{3/2}=1 year[/tex]

Thus, we can conclude that, If a comet were to orbit the sun with a highly eccentric orbit and an average (semimajor axis) distance of 1 au, we might use Kepler's third law of planetary motion to determine that each orbit would take one year to complete.

Learn more about Kepler's third law of planetary motion here:

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