Question

What is the ratio of the speed at perihelion to that at aphelion for the comet Lagerkvist?

a) 0.87
b) 1.22
c) 1.53
d) 2.01

Answer 1

The ratio of the speed at perihelion to the speed at aphelion for the comet Lagerkvist is approximately 1.22.

Step-by-step explanation:

The ratio of the speed at perihelion to the speed at aphelion for the comet Lagerkvist can be determined using Kepler's Second Law. According to this law, a planet or comet moves faster when it is closer to the Sun (perihelion) and slower when it is farther away (aphelion). The ratio of their speeds is given by:

Speed at Perihelion / Speed at Aphelion = (Distance at Aphelion / Distance at Perihelion)^(1/2)

Here, the distance at perihelion is 2.61 AU and the distance at aphelion is given as 4.95 AU. Substituting these values into the equation, we get:

Speed at Perihelion / Speed at Aphelion = (4.95 / 2.61)^(1/2)

Calculating this expression, we find that the ratio of the speed at perihelion to the speed at aphelion is approximately 1.22.