Question

In general, as the average distance from the sun increases, the time of orbital revolution for the planet:

a) increases
b) decreases
c) remains the same
d) no relationship

Answer 1

As the average distance from the sun increases, the time of orbital revolution for the planet increases.

Step-by-step explanation:

In general, as the average distance from the sun increases, the time of orbital revolution for the planet increases (option a).

This is because the planet's orbital period, or the time it takes to complete one orbit around the sun, is determined by its distance from the sun. According to Kepler's Third Law of Planetary Motion, the square of the orbital period is directly proportional to the cube of the average distance from the sun. Therefore, as the average distance from the sun increases, the time of orbital revolution increases as well.

For example, let's compare the orbital periods of two planets: Earth and Mars. Earth has an average distance from the sun of about 93 million miles, and its orbital period is approximately 365 days. Mars, on the other hand, has an average distance from the sun of about 142 million miles, and its orbital period is around 687 days. As you can see, Mars, which is farther from the sun, takes longer to complete one orbit, resulting in a longer orbital period.