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Q:

What is the time it takes for an orbiting body to orbit its planet?

A:

That depends on the size of the two bodies, and the distance between them.

The orbital period can be determined thanks to Newton's law of universal gravitation and Kepler's laws of orbital motion. Using these laws, you can find the orbital period of any satellite, as long as you know the two masses and the distance between them! 

Ask an Explainer
Posted on December 11, 2015 at 2:12 am
Categories:
Gravity & Air
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