Using Kepler's third law, the period of an orbiting planet can be calculated using the formula:
period^2 = semi-major axis^3
Plugging in the values given:
period^2 = (2.3 AU)^3
Simplifying:
period^2 = 12.167 AU^3
Taking the square root:
period = √12.167 AU^3
Calculating the square root:
period ≈ 3.49 years
The correct answer is c. 3.49 years.
If a planet had a semi-major axis length of 2.3 AU as it orbits the Sun, what would be its period in years?
a. 1.74 years
b. 2.3 years
c. 3.49 years
d. 12.2 years
1 answer