Question

information gathered via satellite and telescope observation. Use the table to answer any questions that follow.


Physical Property S T U V W X Y Z
Distance from Sun (km x 106) 57.0 108.2 149.6 227.9 778.6 1,433.5 2,872.5 4,495.1
Average Density (kg/m3) 5,427 5,243 5,514 3,933 1,326 687 1,271 1,638
Surface Gravity (m/s2) 3.7 8.9 9.8 3.7 23.1 9.0 8.7 11.0
Rotation period (hrs) 1,407.6 -5,832.5 23.9 24.6 9.9 10.7 -17.2 16.1
Orbital velocity (km/s) 47.4 35.0 29.8 24.1 13.1 9.7 6.8 5.4
Escape velocity (km/s) 4.3 10.4 11.2 5.0 59.5 35.5 21.3 23.5
Multiple Choice Question
A student studies the table to identify the factor that determines a planet's orbital velocity, which is the speed at which a planet orbits around a central body. Based on the table, which of the following can the student reasonably conclude?
A.
Distance from the Sun determines a planet's orbital velocity; planets closer to the Sun have a faster orbital velocity.

B.
Rotation period determines a planet's orbital velocity; planets with shorter days have a slower orbital velocity.

C.
Surface gravity of a planet determines its orbital velocity; planets with less gravity have a slower orbital velocity.

D.
Average density determines a planet's orbital velocity; planets with a lower density have a faster orbital velocity.

Answer 1

A. Distance from the Sun determines a planet's orbital velocity; planets closer to the Sun have a faster orbital velocity.

This conclusion is supported by the data in the table, as planets closer to the Sun generally have higher orbital velocities than those farther away.