Question

The equation shows the relationship between a planet’s orbital period, T, and the planet’s mean distance from the sun, A, in astronomical units, AU. If planet Y is k times the mean distance from the sun as planet X, by what factor is the orbital period increased?

Answer 1

If planet Y is k times the mean distance from the sun as planet X,

mean distance from the sun is A

$T^2= A^3$

k times the mean distance, we multiply A^3 with k^3

Multiply both sides by k^3

$k^3T^2= k^3A^3$

$k^3T^2= (kA)^3$

we need to get whole square on the left side to make the equivalent equation

$k^3 is k^{\frac{3}{2})^2$

So we replace k^3 by fractional exponent

$(k^{\frac{3}{2})^2T^2)= (kA)^3$

$(k^{\frac{3}{2})T)^2= (kA)^3$

Hence factor is $k^{\frac{3}{2}}$

Answer 2

Answer:

Answer choice D: K^3/2