Uranus is approximately 2.74 x 10^9 km away from the Sun at perihelion and 3.00 x 10^9 km at aphelion. Find the eccentricity of Uranus's orbit given that the perihelion is r = a(1 - e) and the aphelion is r = a(1 + e).

Question

Uranus is approximately 2.74 x 10^9 km away from the Sun at perihelion and 3.00 x 10^9 km at aphelion.  Find the eccentricity of Uranus's orbit given that the perihelion is r = a(1 - e) and the aphelion is r = a(1 + e).

Steve · Accepted Answer

so, plug and chug. a/(1-e) = 3.00*10^9 a/(1+e) = 2.74*10^9 a = 2.86*10^9 e = 0.0453

ridge lee · Answer

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