1. Discuss the distinctions between the orbital sizes and orbital periods of the
ID: 116440 • Letter: 1
Question
1. Discuss the distinctions between the orbital sizes and orbital periods of the terrestrial and gas planets. Are the two groups distinguishable by their orbits?
2. Using the values of a and P for at least 3 planets, verify Kepler’s third law. (Hint: the value of P2 /a3 should be the same for all of them.)
3. To which group does Pluto seem to fit based on its orbit? Why?
4. Do comets distinguish themselves by their orbital properties? Which properties are unusual compared to the planets? In what way? 5. Do the other minor bodies Ceres and Pluto also have any of these unusual orbital properties? If so, which one(
Explanation / Answer
1.
The two groups of planets (i.e. terrestrial and gas planets) are distinguishable by their orbits.
2. According to kepler's third law, the square of the orbital period of a planet is proportional to the cube of the semi-major axis of the orbit. Thus, a3 = P2
Verification for Mercury, Venus and Earth:
Mercury: Semi major axis (a) = 0.39; Period (P) = 0.24
0.393 = 0.242 = 0.0576
Venus: a = 0.72; P = 0.61
0.723 = 0.612 = 0.3721
Earth: a = 1.00; P = 1.00
13 = 13 = 1
3. Pluto fits into the orbit of the terrestrial planets based on its orbital size.
4. Comets distinguish themselves by their orbial properties because comets generally have elliptical orbits.One point of this elliptical orbit is closer to the sun- the perihelion; another point is farthest away from the sun - the aphelion.
NAME ORBITAL SIZE (Km) PERIOD MERCURY 4879 88 days VENUS 12104 225 days EARTH 12742 365.24 days MARS 6779 687 daysRelated Questions
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