The time needed for a planet to orbit the sun
A) is the same for all planets.
B) depends on the size of the planet.
C) depends on the mass of the planet.
D) depends on the average distance of the planet from the sun.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The time needed for a planet to orbit the sun depends on the average distance of the planet from the sun, as described by Kepler's third law of planetary motion. This law states that the square of a planet's orbital period (the time it takes for one complete orbit) is proportional to the cube of its average distance from the sun. Therefore, planets that are farther from the sun take longer to orbit than planets that are closer to the sun.

The Time Needed for a Planet to Orbit the Sun