The Orbital Periods of Io,Europa,and Ganymede Are in the Ratio

question 85

Multiple Choice

The orbital periods of Io,Europa,and Ganymede are in the ratio 1:2:4.Is there any significance to this?

• A) No, this is just a random coincidence of the manner in which these satellites condensed out of the primordial nebula around Jupiter.
• B) Yes, this is the ordering predicted by Kepler's third law.
• C) Yes. Combined with the fact that these are all prograde orbits, this shows that these moons are not captured asteroids.
• D) Yes. After completion of an orbit by Ganymede, all these moons will be in a line, creating tidal stresses on Io.

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Definitions:

Confidence Level

The probability that a statistical result is not due to chance, often expressed as a percentage.

Accuracy Level

The degree to which the result of a measurement, calculation, or specification conforms to the correct value or standard.

Sample Size

The number of observations or individuals taken from a population for the purpose of statistical analysis.

Sample Proportion

The sample proportion is a statistic that estimates the proportion of elements in a sample that have a particular attribute, characteristic, or outcome.