Pluto follows an elliptical orbit with a = 20.232 Au (astronomical units) and b = 19.618 Au. Compute the distance the comet travels in one orbit.
A) 98.9 Au
B) 251.2 Au
C) 128.9 Au
D) 125.2 Au

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The distance a comet travels in one orbit can be approximated by the circumference of an ellipse, which is given by the formula $C \approx \pi [3(a + b) - \sqrt{(3a + b)(a + 3b)}]$, where $a$ and $b$ are the semi-major and semi-minor axes, respectively. Substituting $a = 20.232$ Au and $b = 19.618$ Au, we get $C \approx 125.2$ Au.

Pluto Follows an Elliptical Orbit with a = 20