Question

The equation T^2 = A^3 shows the relationship between a planet’s orbital period, T, and the planet’s mean distance from the sun, A, in astronomical units, AU. If the orbital period of planet Y is twice the orbital period of planet X, by what factor is the mean distance increased?
A 2^1/3
B 2^1/2
C 2^2/3
D 2^3/2

Answer 1

Hi Nh803158,

Your Question:

The equation T^2 = A^3 shows the relationship between a planet’s orbital period, T, and the planet’s mean distance from the sun, A, in astronomical units, AU. If the orbital period of planet Y is twice the orbital period of planet X, by what factor is the mean distance increased?

Answer:

D 2^3/2

Answer 2

Hello, Your answer is below.

The given equation for the relationship between a planet's orbital period, T and the planet's mean distance from the sun, A is T^2 = A^3. Let the orbital period of planet X be T(X) and that of planet Y = T(Y) and let the mean distance of planet X from the sun be A(X) and that of planet Y = A(Y), then A(Y) = 2A(X) [T(Y)]^2 = [A(Y)]^3 = [2A(X)]^3 But [T(X)]^2 = [A(X)]^3 Thus [T(Y)]^2 = 2^3[T(X)]^2 [T(Y)]^2 / [T(X)]^2 = 2^3 T(Y) / T(X) = 2^3/2 Therefore, the orbital period increased by a factor of 2^3/2.

Thank You.

~

Your friend Papaguy.