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A comet travels around the sun in an elliptical orbit. If the semi-major axis of

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Question: A comet travels around the sun in an elliptical orbit. If the semi-major axis of the orbit is 4 AU (Astronomical Units), what is the approximate distance of the comet from the sun at its farthest point?

Options:

  1. 4 AU
  2. 8 AU
  3. 2 AU
  4. 6 AU

Correct Answer: 8 AU

Solution: 

Farthest point (aphelion) = 2 × semi-major axis = 2 × 4 AU = 8 AU.

A comet travels around the sun in an elliptical orbit. If the semi-major axis of

Practice Questions

Q1
A comet travels around the sun in an elliptical orbit. If the semi-major axis of the orbit is 4 AU (Astronomical Units), what is the approximate distance of the comet from the sun at its farthest point?
  1. 4 AU
  2. 8 AU
  3. 2 AU
  4. 6 AU

Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions

A comet travels around the sun in an elliptical orbit. If the semi-major axis of the orbit is 4 AU (Astronomical Units), what is the approximate distance of the comet from the sun at its farthest point?
  • Step 1: Understand that the semi-major axis is half the longest diameter of the ellipse.
  • Step 2: Recognize that the farthest point of the comet's orbit from the sun is called the aphelion.
  • Step 3: To find the aphelion, you need to double the length of the semi-major axis.
  • Step 4: Since the semi-major axis is given as 4 AU, calculate the aphelion by multiplying 4 AU by 2.
  • Step 5: Perform the calculation: 2 × 4 AU = 8 AU.
  • Step 6: Conclude that the distance of the comet from the sun at its farthest point is 8 AU.
  • Elliptical Orbits – Understanding the properties of elliptical orbits, including the semi-major axis and the concept of aphelion (farthest point from the sun).
  • Astronomical Units – Knowledge of the unit of measurement used in astronomy to describe distances within the solar system.
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