Question

The orbital period, P, of a planet and the planet’s distance from the sun, a, in astronomical units is related by the formula mc023-1.jpg. If Saturn’s orbital period is 29.5 years, what is its distance from the sun?

Answer 1

Given that the orbital period, P, of a planet and the planet’s distance from the sun, a, in astronomical units is related by the formula P = a^(3/2). If Saturn’s orbital period is 29.5 years, then 29.5 = a^(3/2) a = (29.5)^(2/3) = 9.547 Therefore, Saturn's distance from the sun is 9.547 astronomical units.