Concept explainers
(a)
The Sun’s orbital speed.
Answer to Problem 45Q
The Sun’s orbital speed is
Explanation of Solution
Given:
The radius of the orbit of the Sun is
The orbital period of the Sun is
Formula Used:
The length of the orbital path of the Sun is given by
The Sun’s orbital speed is given by
Calculations:
The Sun’s orbital speed is calculated as
Conclusion:
The Sun’s orbital speed is
(b)
The angular diameter of the Sun’s orbit as seen by the astronomer and to check whether the Sun’s motion would be discernible if the alien astronomer is able to measure positions to an accuracy of
Answer to Problem 45Q
The angular diameter of the Sun’s orbit as seen by the astronomer is
Explanation of Solution
Given:
The hypothetical planet is orbiting around Vega.
The distance from the Sun is
Formula Used:
The small angle formula is given by
Here,
Calculations:
The angular diameter is calculated as
The small angle is calculated as
Conclusion:
The angular diameter of the Sun’s orbit as seen by the astronomer is
(c)
The angular diameter of the Sun’s orbit as seen by the astronomer and to check whether the Sun’s motion would be discernible if the alien astronomer is able to measure positions to an accuracy of
Answer to Problem 45Q
The angular diameter of the Sun’s orbit as seen by the astronomer is
Explanation of Solution
Given:
The hypothetical planet is in the Pleiades star cluster.
The distance from the Sun is
Formula Used:
The small angle formula is given by
Here,
Calculations:
The angular diameter is calculated as
The small angle is calculated as
Conclusion:
The angular diameter of the Sun’s orbit as seen by the astronomer is
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Chapter 8 Solutions
Universe: Stars And Galaxies
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