How Far Is Halley's Comet from the Sun?

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Halley's Comet has an orbital period of 74 years, and its average distance from the Sun can be calculated using Kepler's Third Law of Planetary Motion. The law states that the square of the orbital period (P) in years is proportional to the cube of the semi-major axis (R) in astronomical units (AU), expressed as P^2 = R^3. To accurately determine the average distance, one must also consider the mass of the Sun and Halley's Comet, as well as gravitational force equations.

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  • Understanding of Kepler's Third Law of Planetary Motion
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1. Comet Halley's comet returns every 74 years. Find the average distance of the comet from the sun?
2. I'm guessing Kepler's 3rd law...

The Attempt at a Solution


P_years^2= R_AU^3...i keep thinking that's wrong.
 
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xArashix said:
1. Comet Halley's comet returns every 74 years. Find the average distance of the comet from the sun?



2. I'm guessing Kepler's 3rd law...



The Attempt at a Solution


P_years^2= R_AU^3...i keep thinking that's wrong.


Welcome to the PF.

What is the mass of the sun? What is the mass of Halley's comet? What is the equation for the gravitational force between two masses? What is the equation for the angular frequency in uniform circular motion?
 

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