UNIT 4

Question

Astronomy: Orbital Motion
＞
LESSON 10
Astronomy: Orbital Motion Unit Test
• The distance between Earth and the sun remains constant during the orbital period.
• All planets have orbits that are circular.
Kepler's 3rd law essentially states, "The ratio of the squares of the periods of any two planets is equal to the ratio of the cubes of their average distances from the sun."
Which of the following is the correct mathematical representation of that statement?
(1 point)
OT=R
OT3=？
• 12 = г3.
0 T?=г
Imagine than an asteroid is approaching Jupiter. As it approaches it then gets slung in a new direction due to Jupiter's gravity. What THREE answers could happen to the asteroid next? (1 point)
• The asteroid smashes into the sun.
• The asteroid spins and returns to Jupiter in an irregular orbit around Jupiter.
• The asteroid continues along its new path and goes out of the solar system.
• The asteroid enters a stable orbit around the sun.
How did Copernicus develop his model of the solar system? Choose the TWO correct answers. (1 point)
• He determined that the Sun, and every other planets revolves around the Earth.
• He determined that the Earth and every other planet revolves around the Sun.
• He used a telescope.

Answer 1

Here are the answers to the questions based on the statements provided:

1. Kepler's 3rd Law Mathematical Representation: The correct mathematical representation of Kepler's 3rd law is:
   \[ T^2 = k R^3 \]
   (where \( T \) is the orbital period, \( R \) is the average distance from the sun, and \( k \) is a constant). However, based on the options provided, none seem to correctly represent the law in a standard format, as the option given does not include appropriate symbols or formatting.

2. What could happen to the asteroid next? The three possible outcomes for the asteroid could be:

   • The asteroid smashes into the sun.
   • The asteroid continues along its new path and goes out of the solar system.
   • The asteroid enters a stable orbit around the sun.

3. How did Copernicus develop his model of the solar system? Choose the TWO correct answers:

   • He determined that the Earth and every other planet revolves around the Sun.
   • He used a telescope.

   Note: It's worth mentioning that while Copernicus' heliocentric model revolutionized the understanding of the solar system, he did not use a telescope, since it was invented later. He based his model on observations and calculations of celestial motions. Therefore, only the first option is actually correct regarding Copernicus.

If you have additional questions or need further clarification, feel free to ask!