The mass of Jupiter is 300 times the mass of the earth. Jupiter orbits the sun with T_Jupiter = 11.9 yr in an orbit with r_Jupiter = 5.2r_earth. Suppose the earth could be moved to the distance of Jupiter and placed in a circular orbit around the sun.
Which of the following describes the earth’s new period? Explain.
a. 1 yr
b. Between 1 yr and 11.9 yr
c. 11.9 yr
d. More than 11.9 yr
e. It would depend on the earth’s speed.
f. It’s impossible for a planet of earth’s mass to orbit at the distance of Jupiter.