wiz-icon
MyQuestionIcon
MyQuestionIcon
1
You visited us 1 times! Enjoying our articles? Unlock Full Access!
Question

Suppose earth's orbital motion around the sun supposed to be in circular is suddenly stopped, what time will the earth take to fall into the sun?

A
65 days
Right on! Give the BNAT exam to get a 100% scholarship for BYJUS courses
B
130 days
No worries! We‘ve got your back. Try BYJU‘S free classes today!
C
183 days
No worries! We‘ve got your back. Try BYJU‘S free classes today!
D
30 days
No worries! We‘ve got your back. Try BYJU‘S free classes today!
Open in App
Solution

The correct option is A 65 days

Kepler's law applies to planetary orbits, whether they be of circular, or elliptical shape. It says that T22T12=R23R13 where T is the period of an orbit and R is its semi-major axis. The semi-major axis is the average of the planet's maximum and minimum distances from the sun.

Let the earth's mean radius be R1..This straight fall can be considered 1/2 of a degenerate elliptical orbit with major axis equal to R1. Its semi-major axis is R12 (the average of R1 and zero). Its period will be designated T2.

So: T22T21=(R12)3R31=(12)3

And therefore, T2=0.353 year, and the time to fall into the sun is the time to fall into the sun is ,64.52 days


flag
Suggest Corrections
thumbs-up
0
Join BYJU'S Learning Program
similar_icon
Related Videos
thumbnail
lock
Escape Speed Tackle
PHYSICS
Watch in App
Join BYJU'S Learning Program
CrossIcon