Question Details

Two planets at mean distance d₁ and d₂ from the sun and their frequencies are n₁ and n₂ respectively then

Options

A

n₁²d₁² = n₂d₂²

B

n₂²d₂³ = n₁²d₁³

C

n₁d₁² = n₂d₂²

D

n₁²d₁ = n₂²d₂

Correct Answer :

n₂²d₂³ = n₁²d₁³

Solution :

The correct option is: n₂²d₂³ = n₁²d₁³.

Step-by-step derivation:

According to Kepler's Third Law of Planetary Motion (also known as the Law of Periods), the square of the orbital period (T) of a planet is directly proportional to the cube of its mean distance (d) from the Sun:
T2d3
This can be written with a constant of proportionality k as:
T2=kd3

The frequency of revolution (n) of a planet is defined as the reciprocal of its orbital period (T):
n=1TT=1n

Now, substituting the expression for T in terms of n into Kepler's relation:
1n2=kd3
1n2=kd3
Multiplying both sides by n2, we get:
1=kn2d3
Rearranging the equation:
n2d3=1k=constant

Since the product n2d3 is constant for any planet orbiting the Sun, we can write the relationship for two different planets as:
n12d13=n22d23
Or, equivalently:
n22d23=n12d13

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