How to Calculate Comet Halley's Distance from the Sun Using Kepler's Laws

  • Thread starter bcd201115
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Laws
In summary, the conversation discusses the approach of Comet Halley to the Sun and its orbital period. The question asks for the distance the comet will travel before it starts its return journey. Kepler's laws may be applicable in solving this problem.
  • #1
bcd201115
20
0

Homework Statement


Comet Halley approaches the Sun to within 0.570 AU, and its orbital period is 75.6 yr. (AU is the symbol for astronomical unit, where 1 AU = 1.50 x 1011 m is the mean Earth-Sun distance.) How far from the Sun will Halley's comet travel before it starts its return journey.


Homework Equations


Can anyone help me with this?


The Attempt at a Solution


I've already figured that .57 AU = 8550 m
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
bcd201115 said:

Homework Statement


Comet Halley approaches the Sun to within 0.570 AU, and its orbital period is 75.6 yr. (AU is the symbol for astronomical unit, where 1 AU = 1.50 x 1011 m is the mean Earth-Sun distance.) How far from the Sun will Halley's comet travel before it starts its return journey.


Homework Equations


Can anyone help me with this?


The Attempt at a Solution


I've already figured that .57 AU = 8550 m

Your value for rp, the perihelion distance, looks a tad small. Did you lose a few orders of magnitude somewhere? :smile:

If you choose an appropriate unit system you shouldn't have to do any conversions :wink:

Which of Kepler's laws do you think might be applicable here, given the values that you know.
 

1. What are Kepler's Laws of planetary motion?

Kepler's Laws of planetary motion are three scientific laws that describe the motion of planets around the sun. They were developed by German astronomer Johannes Kepler in the 17th century based on observations made by Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe.

2. What is the first law of Kepler?

The first law of Kepler, also known as the law of ellipses, states that the orbit of a planet around the sun is an ellipse with the sun at one of the two foci. This means that the distance between the planet and the sun varies throughout its orbit, with the closest point being the perihelion and the farthest point being the aphelion.

3. What is the second law of Kepler?

The second law of Kepler, also known as the law of equal areas, states that a line connecting a planet to the sun will sweep out equal areas in equal times. This means that a planet will move faster when it is closer to the sun and slower when it is farther away.

4. How is Kepler's third law calculated?

Kepler's third law, also known as the law of harmonies, relates the orbital period of a planet to its distance from the sun. It states that the square of the orbital period is proportional to the cube of the semi-major axis of the orbit. This can be expressed as T^2 ∝ a^3, where T is the orbital period and a is the semi-major axis.

5. What is the significance of Kepler's Laws?

Kepler's Laws of planetary motion were instrumental in advancing our understanding of the solar system and laid the foundation for Isaac Newton's law of universal gravitation. They also paved the way for future discoveries and advancements in the field of astronomy. Additionally, the laws have practical applications, such as in the design of satellite orbits and spacecraft trajectories.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
549
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
6K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
29
Views
8K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
1K
Back
Top