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.

Question

GPT-4o mini · Answer

Based on the information provided about the factors influencing a planet's orbital velocity around a central body (like the Sun), the best conclusion from the given options is:

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

This conclusion aligns with Kepler's laws of planetary motion, specifically that the closer a planet is to the Sun, the faster it moves in its orbit due to the stronger gravitational pull exerted by the Sun. The other options do not accurately reflect the factors that determine a planet's orbital velocity.