Mercury is 50% farther from the Sun when it is at aphelion than when it is at perihelion.How many times more intense is sunlight on Mercury at perihelion than at aphelion?
A)1.5 times
B)2.25 times
C)5.0 times
D)3.0 times

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The intensity of sunlight on a planet varies inversely with the square of its distance from the Sun. If Mercury is 50% farther from the Sun at aphelion than at perihelion, it means at aphelion it is 1.5 times the distance it is at perihelion. The square of 1.5 is 2.25, meaning sunlight is 2.25 times more intense at perihelion than at aphelion.

Mercury Is 50% Farther from the Sun When It Is