Question

Using your density-based Roche limit calculated above, estimate the Roche limit for a comet which has been captured by Saturn's gravitational field. 8. [1mark] Comets have a mean density of around 600kg m-3 and Saturn's density is an impressively low 687 kg m-3. Saturn has a radius of approximately 58200 km. Don't forget to convert km to m.

Answer 1

Roche limit is 1.485 ×
`10^(-8)` m

Step-by-step explanation:

given data

density comets d1 = 600 kg m^-3

density Saturn d2 = 687 kg m^-3

radius r = 58200 km = 5.82 ×
`10^(7)` m

to find out

Roche limit

solution

we will find Roche limit by given formula of Roche limit that is

Roche limit = 2.44 ∛(d2/d1) × r .............1

put here all value in equation 1 we get Roche limit

Roche limit = 2.44 ∛(d2/d1) × r

Roche limit = 2.44 ∛(687/600) × 5.82 ×
`10^(7)`

solve it and we get

so Roche limit is 1.485 ×
`10^(-8)` m