Q137 / 180 · NEET 2026 (Re-NEET) · Physics
In a solar system, the time-period of revolution of a planet tracing a circular orbit of radius R is proportional to :
- A$\text{R}^3$
- B$\text{R}^{1/2}$
- Correct answerC$\text{R}^{3/2}$
- D$\text{R}^2$
Solution
According to Kepler's third law of planetary motion, the square of the time period of revolution of a planet around the sun is directly proportional to the cube of the semi-major axis of its elliptical orbit.
For a circular orbit, the semi-major axis is equal to the radius of the orbit $R$.
Therefore, $T^2 \propto R^3$
Taking the square root on both sides, we get:
$T \propto R^{3/2}$
Alternatively, equating the gravitational force to the required centripetal force:
$\dfrac{GMm}{R^2} = \dfrac{mv^2}{R}$
$v = \sqrt{\dfrac{GM}{R}}$
The time period $T$ is given by:
$T = \dfrac{2\pi R}{v} = \dfrac{2\pi R}{\sqrt{\dfrac{GM}{R}}} = \dfrac{2\pi}{\sqrt{GM}} R^{3/2}$
Thus, $T \propto R^{3/2}$.
Answer: $\text{R}^{3/2}$
For a circular orbit, the semi-major axis is equal to the radius of the orbit $R$.
Therefore, $T^2 \propto R^3$
Taking the square root on both sides, we get:
$T \propto R^{3/2}$
Alternatively, equating the gravitational force to the required centripetal force:
$\dfrac{GMm}{R^2} = \dfrac{mv^2}{R}$
$v = \sqrt{\dfrac{GM}{R}}$
The time period $T$ is given by:
$T = \dfrac{2\pi R}{v} = \dfrac{2\pi R}{\sqrt{\dfrac{GM}{R}}} = \dfrac{2\pi}{\sqrt{GM}} R^{3/2}$
Thus, $T \propto R^{3/2}$.
Answer: $\text{R}^{3/2}$
Hence, the correct answer is option: 'C'.