Question

An asteroid that has an orbit with a semi-major axis of 4 AU will have an orbital period of about ______ years.

Answer 1

Answer:

16 years.

Explanation:

Using Kepler's third Law.

P2=D^3

P=√d^3

Where P is the orbital period and d is the distance from the sun.

From the question the semi major axis of the asteroid is 4 AU= distance. The distance is always express in astronomical units.

P=?

P= √4^3

P= √256

P= 16 years.

Orbital period is 16 years.