Question

A Kuiper Belt object orbits the sun at an average distance of 43.4 AU with an eccentricity of e = 0.15. Calculate the comet's perihelion distance in AU using the equation: perihelion = a (1 - e).

Answer 1

36.89AU

Step-by-step explanation:

We are given that

Average distance,d=43.4 AU

Eccentricity,e=0.15

We have to find the comet's perihelion distance in AU using the equation

Perihelion=a(1-e)

Given equation:

Perihelion=
`a(1-e)`

Substitute the values

Perihelion=
`43.4(1-0.15)`

Perihelion=
`43.4* 0.85`

Perihelion=
`36.89AU`