Question

A well-known comet has a period of 75.3 years. Using Kepler’s 3^rd law, the semi-major axis of this comet is

Select one:

a. 17.8 AU

b. 26.1 AU

c. 653 AU

d. 3.68 AU

A well-known comet has a period of 133 years. Using Kepler’s 3^rd law, the semi-major axis of this comet is

Select one:

a. 1530 AU

b. 3.12 AU

c. 26.1 AU

d. 11.5 AU

A well-known comet has a period of 133 years. Using Kepler’s 3^rd law, the semi-major axis of this comet is

Select one:

a. 1530 AU

b. 3.12 AU

c. 26.1 AU

d. 11.5 AU

Answer 1

Answer 1) first option is correct.

A well-known comet has a period of 75.3 years. Using Kepler’s 3rd law, the semi-major axis of this comet is 17.8 AU

Answer 2) third option is correct.

A well-known comet has a period of 133 years. Using Kepler’s 3rd law, the semi-major axis of this comet is 26.1 AU

Answer 3) third option is correct.

A well-known comet has a period of 133 years. Using Kepler’s 3rd law, the semi-major axis of this comet is 26.1 AU

STEP BY STEP SOLUTIONS:

According to Kepler's third law p2 = a3  ( where 'p' is orbit period around the sun & 'a' is semi major axis of the comet)

using the above equation we can easily calculate semi major axis of the comet

when orbit period is given as 75.3 years ,

semi major axis, a = p2/3

a = (75.3)2/3 = 75.3 AU

when orbit period is given as 133 years , a = (133)2/3

a = 26.1 AU

hope it helps!!!

Note: 2nd & third question are same