Chapter 5, Problem 17Q

To determine

To explain: Whether the centripetal acceleration of Mars is more or less if compared to Earth.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

The centripetal acceleration depends upon the distance of planet from sun.

The centripetal acceleration of any planet is inversely proportional to the square of distance from

Sun.

Since the distance of Mars is more than that of Earth, so the centripetal acceleration of Mars is

less than Earth.

  ${\text{a}}_{mars}<a_{earth}$

Conclusion:

Therefore, the centripetal acceleration of Mars is less than that of Earth.