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Chapter 12: Problem 3

As seen from Earth, does Jupiter or Saturn undergo retrograde motion more frequently? Explain your answer.

Short Answer

Expert verified
As viewed from Earth, Jupiter undergoes retrograde motion more frequently than Saturn.

Step by step solution

01

Understand Retrograde Motion

Retrograde motion is the apparent backward movement of a planet across the sky. This happens because all planets revolve around the sun at different speeds and in different paths. As earth overtakes a slower moving outer planet, like Jupiter or Saturn, it appears to move backwards in the sky from Earth's perspective.
02

Know the Orbital Periods

The time a planet takes to complete one orbit around the sun is referred to as its orbital period. Earth takes approximately 1 year to orbit the sun, Jupiter takes roughly 11.86 Earth years and Saturn takes about 29.5 Earth years.
03

Compare Retrograde Frequencies

The frequency of retrograde motion is inversely proportional to the orbital period. Therefore, a planet with a shorter orbital period would exhibit retrograde motion more frequently. Since Jupiter’s orbital period (11.86 Earth years) is shorter than Saturn's (29.5 Earth years), Jupiter exhibits retrograde motion more frequently than Saturn.
04

Formulate Conclusion

From the comparison of the orbital periods of Jupiter and Saturn, it becomes clear that Jupiter, having a shorter period, undergoes retrograde motion more frequently as seen from Earth.

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