Question

The spectacular comet Hale-Bopp was last visible with the naked eye in 1997 as it passed the Sun at it closest distance of 0.91 astronomical units (A.U.) Its previous close approach to the Sun (called perihelion) occurred near the beginning of Ancient Greece, around 500 B.C.

a) What is the semi-major axis of its orbit in A.U.?

b) What is its aphelion distance (its farthest distance from the Sun) in A.U.?

c) As it passed the Sun, its velocity with respect to the Sun was 44 km/s. What was its velocity at aphelion? Hint: Think of the area of the triangle "swept up" over 1 second

d) Qualitatively, how would you describe the shape of its orbit?

Answer 1

Time perved of orbit. soo yeas 1yes law - 3 given Tet cornet. Te- 497y-1 b) ophehel ophelion distance s alite) to and peri helio n = all-e): o.al Au 367.OS AU c keplers seuono (au stades that a line betwear the sun anol planet sweeps eual anas in equal time cavea onc moves clisfane x and distance e in e y in same amous of fine Implier area χ.areay

ara swept can be opsoximateo as a triangle as ska uy /s sun Sun pevhelion clistanie aphelion from ) c e o.los km/s Cvelouity at aphelion obit ct the comet is, nota penyed The stope bodies
​​​​​​NOTE:-1 AU=1.49*10^8 KM