1.
What is Kepler’s third law? Describe what it means for objects in orbit around other objects.
Explain using an example of actual orbiting objects
Solution
Kepler’s third law states that the square of the orbital period of a planet is proportional to the
cube of the semi-major axis of its orbit.
What it means for objects in orbit around other objects.
A planet farther from the Sun not only has a longer path than a closer planet, but it also travels
slower, since the Sun’s gravitational pull on it is weaker. Therefore, the larger a planet’s
orbit, the longer the planet takes to complete it.
For example mercury has larger orbit that Earth’s, so it take more time for completing the
revolution.