Find the distance from the sun to the planet known the orbital period problem

In summary, the problem is asking to find the distance from the sun to a planet with an orbital period of 27 years. The expected unit for the answer is in kilometers. The attempt at a solution involved using the circumference of a circle formula and solving for the radius, which resulted in a value of 4.29 km. However, this was incorrect as the unit used for the calculation was in years instead of kilometers. To solve this problem, more information such as the mass of the sun or the orbital period and distance of another planet would be needed.
  • #1
subopolois
86
0

Homework Statement


the problem asks to find the distance from the sun to a planet. the only information the question gives the the orbital period of 27 years and asks for the answer in km.


Homework Equations


c= (2)(pi)(r)


The Attempt at a Solution


assuming the planet revolves around the sun, i was assuming this is a simple problem using the circumference of a circle and solver for r to get the radius which is also the distance to the sun. here's my attempt.
c=(2)(pi)(r)
27=(2)(pi)(r)
r= 27/(2)(pi)
r= 4.29

thats my solution, but is seems really close to the sun, 4.29 km. have i done something wrong? can someone help?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Take a look at units - your result is 4.29 years, not kilometers. So obviously there is something wrong.

This is either application of Kepler's third law (but then you need infomation about some other planet distance and period) or of Newton's law of universal gravitation combined with equations of motion (but then you need mass of the Sun). Not knowing in what context this question has been asked it is not possible to decide which approach will be correct (although they will both give the same result, as Kepler's laws can be derived from Newton's law).
 
  • #3
yup it is calculatet in years not in km
 

Related to Find the distance from the sun to the planet known the orbital period problem

1. What is the orbital period problem?

The orbital period problem is a mathematical problem that involves calculating the distance between a planet and the sun based on the planet's orbital period, or the time it takes for the planet to complete one orbit around the sun.

2. How is the distance from the sun to the planet calculated?

The distance from the sun to the planet is calculated using Kepler's third law of planetary motion, which states that the square of a planet's orbital period is directly proportional to the cube of its semi-major axis (average distance from the sun).

3. What is the formula for finding the distance from the sun to the planet?

The formula for calculating the distance from the sun to the planet is: distance = (∛(G x M x T²))/(2π), where G is the gravitational constant, M is the mass of the sun, and T is the orbital period of the planet in Earth years.

4. Can the orbital period problem be used for all planets in our solar system?

Yes, the orbital period problem can be used for all planets in our solar system as long as their orbital periods are known and the mass of the sun is constant.

5. Why is it important to know the distance from the sun to a planet?

Knowing the distance from the sun to a planet is important for understanding the planet's position in the solar system and its relationship to other planets. It also helps in determining the planet's climate, atmosphere, and potential for life.

Similar threads

  • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
817
  • Classical Physics
Replies
2
Views
824
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
968
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
3
Views
591
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
880
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
648
  • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
1K
Back
Top