The discussion focuses on calculating the orbital period of Pluto using Kepler's Third Law, specifically the equation K = T²/R³, where K is Kepler's Constant (3.36x1018 m3/s2), R is the mean radius of orbit (5.9x1012 m), and T is the orbital period. The correct calculation yields an orbital period of approximately 7.82x109 seconds. Participants clarified the importance of using only the mean radius of orbit and cubing the distance in the calculations.
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What equation is that? The one you listed in the Relevant Equations only involved one distance value, but you seem to have used two ("radius of object" and "mean radius of orbit"). The listed equation also cubed the distance, but you've used a square root to resolve it?Jon Bori said:Homework Statement
Kepler's Constant for any object or planet orbiting the sun is 3.36x1018m3/s2. Calculate how long a year is for Pluto given the "radius of object" is 3.0x106m and the "mean radius of orbit" is 5.9x1012
Answer: 7.82x109s
Homework Equations
K = T2/R3
The Attempt at a Solution
I tried plugging the values into the equation
T2 = sqrt (5.9x1012m)+(3x106)/3.36x1018m)
= 6.1x1019[/B]