How do the moons of Jupiter behave when considered in terms of the relationship between the period P and radius a of their orbits around the planet?
A) Jupiter's moons follow the Keplerian relationship P² = ka³, where k is a constant that is different from that in the relation governing planetary motion around the Sun.
B) Jupiter's moons do not obey the Keplerian relationship P² = ka³ because their motion about Jupiter is affected by Jupiter's motion about the Sun.
C) Jupiter's moons obey the Keplerian relationship P² = ka³, where k is the same as that for planetary motion around the Sun because it is a universal constant.
D) Jupiter's moons do not obey the Keplerian relationship P² = ka³ because they orbit Jupiter, not the Sun.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Jupiter's moons obey the Keplerian relationship P² = ka³, where k is a constant that is different from that in the relation governing planetary motion around the Sun. This is because the gravitational force that governs their orbits is between the moons and Jupiter, not the Sun.

How Do the Moons of Jupiter Behave When Considered in Terms