QuestionAugust 23, 2025

Analyze the statement: "All planets orbit the sun in the same amount of time." Is this statement True or False? Justify your answer with a brief explanation.

Analyze the statement: "All planets orbit the sun in the same amount of time." Is this statement True or False? Justify your answer with a brief explanation.
Analyze the statement: "All planets orbit the sun in the same amount of time." Is this statement True or False? Justify your answer with a brief explanation.

Solution
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Answer

False Explanation 1. Identify the statement's claim The statement claims that all planets orbit the sun in the same amount of time. 2. Apply Kepler's Third Law **Kepler's Third Law** states that the square of the orbital period (T) of a planet is proportional to the cube of the semi-major axis (a) of its orbit: T^2 \propto a^3. This implies different orbital periods for planets at different distances from the sun. 3. Compare orbital periods Observational data shows that each planet has a unique orbital period. For example, Earth orbits the sun in about 365 days, while Jupiter takes about 12 Earth years.

Explanation

1. Identify the statement's claim<br /> The statement claims that all planets orbit the sun in the same amount of time.<br /><br />2. Apply Kepler's Third Law<br /> **Kepler's Third Law** states that the square of the orbital period ($T$) of a planet is proportional to the cube of the semi-major axis ($a$) of its orbit: $T^2 \propto a^3$. This implies different orbital periods for planets at different distances from the sun.<br /><br />3. Compare orbital periods<br /> Observational data shows that each planet has a unique orbital period. For example, Earth orbits the sun in about 365 days, while Jupiter takes about 12 Earth years.
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