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