The mass of Jupiter is 300 times the mass of the earth. Jupiter orbits the sun with TJupiter = 11.9 yr in an orbit with rJupiter = 5.2rearth. Suppose the earth could be moved to the distance
of Jupiter and placed in a circular orbit around the sun. Which of the following describes the earth’s new period?
Explain.
a. 1 yr
b. Between 1 yr and 11.9 yr
c. 11.9 yr
d. More than 11.9 yr
e. It would depend on the earth’s speed.
f. It’s impossible for a planet of earth’s mass to orbit at the
distance of Jupiter.

Short Answer

Expert verified

Option (C) 11.9 yr is correct

Step by step solution

01

Given Information

Period of Jupiter, TJupiter=11.9 year
Radius of the Jupiter, rjupiter=5.2 rearth

02

Explanation

Use Keplar's law T =kR3/2

Where, r= radius of orbit, k = constant, T= period

From the Keplar law, we can conclude that the Time period only depends on the radius of orbit.

If earth moved to the distance of Jupiter and placed in a circular orbit then the period will be the same that of Jupiter, which is 11.9 years.

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