Question

Given the equation P2 = A3, what is the orbital period, in years, for the planet Jupiter? (Jupiter is located 5.2 AU from the sun.)

5 years

11 years

110 years

500 years

Answer 1

Answer: 11 years

Explanation:

From Kepler's third law, the square of orbital period is directly proportional to cube of semi major axis.

P² = A³

Here, P is the orbital period in years and A is the semi-major axis in AU (astronomical units)

For Jupiter, A = 5.2 AU (given)

⇒P² = (5.2 AU)³

⇒P = √140.6 = 11.85 years ≅ 11 years

Answer 2

Kepler's 3rd law

p^2 = 5.2 ^3

p^2 = 140.608

p = 11.857

Hope this helps