If the Earth had four times its present mass, what would be its new period of revolution around the sun, compared to its present orbital period?
A) four times as much
B) two times as much
C) the same
D) one-half as much
E) one-fourth as much

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The period of revolution of a planet around the sun is determined by the semi-major axis of its orbit, according to Kepler's third law, and not by its mass. Therefore, even if Earth's mass were to increase, its orbital period would remain unchanged as long as its orbit remains the same.

If the Earth Had Four Times Its Present Mass, What