6 Questions
According to Kepler's third law, which of the following statements is true?
The square of the orbital period of a planet is directly proportional to the cube of its average distance from the sun.
Which of the following is an implication of Kepler's third law?
Planets closer to the sun have shorter orbital periods.
If a planet has an orbital period of 2 years, what can be inferred about its average distance from the sun?
It is four times the average distance of a planet with an orbital period of 1 year.
What does Kepler's third law state?
Kepler's third law states that the square of the orbital period of a planet is directly proportional to the cube of its average distance from the sun.
What is the mathematical equation representing Kepler's third law?
The mathematical equation representing Kepler's third law is T^2 = k * R^3, where T is the orbital period of the planet, R is its average distance from the sun, and k is a constant.
What is the significance of Kepler's third law?
Kepler's third law allows scientists to calculate the distance between a planet and the sun based on its orbital period, or vice versa. It provides a fundamental understanding of the relationship between a planet's motion and its distance from the sun.
Study Notes
Kepler's Third Law
- Kepler's third law states that the square of a planet's orbital period is proportional to the cube of its semi-major axis.
- An implication of Kepler's third law is that planets with longer orbital periods are, on average, farther away from the sun.
- If a planet has an orbital period of 2 years, it can be inferred that its average distance from the sun is greater than that of Earth.
- The mathematical equation representing Kepler's third law is P² ∝ a³, where P is the orbital period and a is the semi-major axis.
- The significance of Kepler's third law lies in its ability to describe the relationship between a planet's orbital period and its distance from the sun, providing a fundamental principle for understanding our solar system.
Test your knowledge of Kepler's third law with this quiz! Answer questions about the implications of the law and make inferences about the average distance of planets from the sun based on their orbital periods.
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