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8. Centripetal Forces & Gravitation - Part 3 of 3

8. Centripetal Forces & Gravitation - Part 3 of 3

8. Centripetal Forces & Gravitation / Kepler's Third Law / Problem 7

A new dwarf planet has been discovered orbiting beyond Pluto. Observations suggest it completes one orbit around the Sun every 280 years. Use Kepler's Third Law to estimate the farthest distance (aphelion) of the dwarf planet from the Sun. Is the dwarf planet still within the Kuiper Belt, which extends to about 50 AU from the Sun?

ANSWERS OPTIONS

A

68 AU. The dwarf planet might still be within the outer edges of the Kuiper Belt.

B

75 AU. The dwarf planet is still possibly within the Kuiper Belt.

C

86 AU. The dwarf planet is beyond the Kuiper Belt.

D

94 AU. The dwarf planet is too far from the boundary of Kuiper Belt.

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