The mean distance is increased by a factor of [tex]2^{3/2}[/tex] if the orbital period of planet y is twice that of the planet x.
Description of the Kepler's law.
The orbital period T and the mean distance from the sun, A, expressed in astronomical units (AU), are related in accordance with Kepler's third law.
The mathematical formula is,
T² = A³
Here, T denotes the orbital period and A represents the average separation or mean distance from the sun.
Now, if T(y) = 2T(x)
⇒ A'³(y) = 2A³(x)
A'(y) = [tex]2^{3/2}[/tex]A(y)
Thus, if orbital period of planet y is twice the orbital period of planet x, the mean distance is lengthened by a factor of [tex]2^{3/2}[/tex].
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