If Halley's Comet has an elliptical orbit with a semimajor axis of 17.5 AU,approximately how far out into the planetary system does it reach at its farthest point (aphelion)? (Assume that perihelion distance from the Sun is negligible.Be careful-the question needs some thought.)
A) between the orbits of Saturn and Uranus
B) between the orbits of Uranus and Neptune
C) between the orbits of Neptune and Pluto
D) beyond the orbit of Pluto

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The aphelion distance can be calculated using the formula: aphelion = 2 * semimajor axis - perihelion. Given the semimajor axis is 17.5 AU and assuming the perihelion is negligible, the aphelion is approximately 35 AU, which places it between the orbits of Neptune and Pluto.

If Halley's Comet Has an Elliptical Orbit with a Semimajor