What is the principle defined by Kepler's Third Law?

Kepler's Third Law states that the square of the orbital period of a planet (the time it takes to complete one orbit around the Sun) is directly proportional to the cube of the semi-major axis of its orbit (the average distance from the Sun). In mathematical terms, this can be expressed as ( T^2 \propto a^3 ), where ( T ) is the orbital period and ( a ) is the average distance from the Sun.

This law highlights the relationship between a planet's distance from the Sun and its orbital period, indicating that planets that are farther from the Sun will take much longer to complete their orbits than those that are closer. For example, Earth, which is about 93 million miles from the Sun, has a one-year orbital period, while Jupiter, which is significantly farther away, takes about 12 Earth years to orbit the Sun. This relationship is fundamental in understanding the dynamics of our solar system and the motion of celestial bodies.

The other options do not accurately represent Kepler's Third Law or its implications regarding orbital mechanics. For instance, the idea that all planets have equal orbital periods is incorrect, as each planet's period varies depending on its distance from the Sun. The assertion that