Orbital Period and Orbital Distance Name: Solutions Section:

7) How long does it take a planet to complete one orbit if it is twice the distance from the central star as theplanet described in question 6?As shown in blue, if a planet has twice the orbital distance = 2x1AU = 2AU, its orbital period is 2.8years.8) Based on your results from questions 6 and 7, which of the following best describes how a planet’s orbitalperiod will change (if at all) when its distance to the central star is doubled? Circle your choice.a) The planet’s orbital period will decrease by half.b) The planet’s orbital period will not change.c) The planet’s orbital period will double.d) The planet’s orbital period will more than double.Review the lecture notes on Kepler including the extra link to the discussion of planets’ orbital speedsif you need more help in understanding these answers.