Orbital Periods of Planets vs Comets

In summary, the orbital period of a planet is the time it takes for the planet to complete one full orbit around the sun, while the orbital period of a comet is the time it takes for the comet to complete one full orbit around the sun. Comets have longer orbital periods than planets because of their highly elliptical orbits, which take them far from the sun. These orbital periods are calculated using Kepler's laws, with the orbital period of a planet being proportional to its distance from the sun. Not all comets have the same orbital period, and the orbital period of a planet or comet can change over time due to various factors, although these changes are usually small and take place over a long period of time.
  • #1
ver_mathstats
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Homework Statement
Uranus has an orbit of 19AU and the maximum radius for a comet's orbit is 19AU, so why are the periods different?
Relevant Equations
Uranus orbits 19AU and the comet orbits 19AU
Could someone please tell me if I'm on the right track with understanding this.

The periods of the comet and Uranus is different because of Kepler's second law? Is it because planets orbit the sun in a circular path whereas for comets it's a highly elliptical orbit?

Thank you.
 
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  • #2
You may want to think about this:
- Which of Kepler's laws is about the orbital period?
- Does this law say anything about the eccentricity of the orbit?

Finally, I think you may be confusing "maximum radius" (aphelion) with semi major axis.
 

What is the difference between the orbital periods of planets and comets?

The orbital period of a planet refers to the time it takes for the planet to complete one full orbit around the sun. This time period is relatively constant and is determined by the planet's distance from the sun and its mass. On the other hand, comets have highly elliptical orbits that can take them far away from the sun and then back again. This results in a much longer orbital period for comets compared to planets.

Why do comets have longer orbital periods than planets?

Comets have longer orbital periods due to their highly elliptical orbits. As they travel away from the sun, they slow down due to the decreasing gravitational pull. This results in a longer time for them to complete one orbit compared to planets, which have more circular orbits and a more consistent gravitational pull from the sun.

What is the average orbital period for a planet?

The average orbital period for a planet depends on its distance from the sun. For example, Mercury, the closest planet to the sun, has an orbital period of 88 days, while Neptune, the farthest planet from the sun, has an orbital period of 165 years.

Do all planets have the same orbital period?

No, each planet has a unique orbital period based on its distance from the sun and its mass. The farther a planet is from the sun, the longer its orbital period will be. Additionally, the mass of a planet also affects its orbital period, with more massive planets having longer orbital periods.

How do scientists calculate the orbital period of a comet?

To calculate the orbital period of a comet, scientists use Kepler's third law of planetary motion, which states that the square of the orbital period is proportional to the cube of the semi-major axis of the orbit. By measuring the distance of the comet from the sun at different points in its orbit, scientists can calculate the semi-major axis and then use this law to determine the orbital period.

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