Physics – 6.1.2 The Solar System | e-Consult
6.1.2 The Solar System (1 questions)
Login to see all questions.
Click on a question to view the answer
The semi-major axis (a) of an ellipse is the average of the perihelion distance (rp) and the aphelion distance (ra). The formula is:
a = (rp + ra) / 2
Given: rp = 1.3 AU and ra = 2.9 AU
Therefore:
a = (1.3 AU + 2.9 AU) / 2 = 4.2 AU / 2 = 2.1 AU
The semi-major axis of the planet's orbit is 2.1 AU.