Kepler's third law for orbits around the Sun is a³ = P²,where the semi-major axis a is in AU and the period P is in years.(See section 2-5 in Discovering the Essential Universe,6th ed.).For objects in orbit around Jupiter we must use a³ = 0.001 P² because the mass of Jupiter in solar masses is approximately 0.001.The period for Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 in its orbit around Jupiter was about two years.What was its maximum distance from Jupiter in this orbit (in AU)?
A) 0.05
B) 0.16
C) 0.32
D) 0.48

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Using Kepler's third law for orbits around Jupiter, a³ = 0.001 P², and given P = 2 years, we solve for a: a³ = 0.001 * (2)² = 0.004. Taking the cube root, a ≈ 0.32 AU.

Kepler's Third Law for Orbits Around the Sun Is A³