Imagine a planet like Earth orbiting the Sun, but in an orbit with an average distance of 2 AU. What is its orbital period?
A) Impossible to determine
B) 8 years
C) 4 years
D) 2.8 years

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Using Kepler's third law, we can calculate the orbital period: P^2 = a^3, where P is the period in years and a is the average distance from the Sun in AU. Plugging in a=2, we get P^2 = 2^3, which simplifies to P^2 = 8. Taking the square root of both sides, we get P = 2.8 years. Therefore, the correct answer is D.

Imagine a Planet Like Earth Orbiting the Sun, but in an Orbit