How does the orbital period P of particles moving around in the rings of Saturn depend on the distance r of the particles from the center of the planet? A) P² is proportional to r³. B) P is constant for all r because the rings move as a solid disk. C) P is proportional to 1/r² D) P increases directly with r.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The orbital period $P$ of particles in the rings of Saturn (or any other celestial body) follows Kepler's third law, which states that the square of the orbital period ($P^2$) is proportional to the cube of the semi-major axis of the orbit ($r^3$). This relationship implies that $P$ is proportional to $r^{3/2}$, making option A correct.

How Does the Orbital Period P of Particles Moving Around