
Define one astronomical unit.
Answer
495.9k+ views
1 likes
Hint: Recall the different units used in astronomy. Also recall the basics about the unit usually used in astronomy, which is the astronomical unit.
Complete step by step answer:
One astronomical unit is the average or mean distance between the Earth and the sun.
One astronomical unit is equal to or .
Additional Information:
One astronomical unit is the average or mean distance between the Earth and the sun and not the exact distance between the Earth and the sun.
This is because though we say that the orbit of the Earth around the sun is circular in shape but it is not exactly circular. It is elliptical.
Hence, the distance between the Earth and sun changes with the position of the Earth on its orbit.
The astronomical unit is denoted by the symbol AU.
The distance between other astronomical objects is also measured in astronomical units. This helps one to compare the distance between the astronomical distance between the objects as compared to the distance between the Earth and the sun.
For example, the distance between the sun and Saturn is 9.5 AU. This shows that the distance between Saturn and the sun is 9.5 times the distance between the Earth and the sun.
The value of one astronomical unit in the SI system of units i.e. meter can be determined using the following formula:
Here, is the universal gravitational constant, is the mass of the Earth, is the time for the one day and is the numerical value of the Gaussian gravitational constant.
One astronomical unit is equal to .
Note:
The value of one astronomical unit is maximum for aphelion (when distance between the sun and the Earth is maximum) and minimum for perihelion (when distance between the sun and the Earth is minimum).
Complete step by step answer:
One astronomical unit is the average or mean distance between the Earth and the sun.
One astronomical unit is equal to
Additional Information:
One astronomical unit is the average or mean distance between the Earth and the sun and not the exact distance between the Earth and the sun.
This is because though we say that the orbit of the Earth around the sun is circular in shape but it is not exactly circular. It is elliptical.
Hence, the distance between the Earth and sun changes with the position of the Earth on its orbit.
The astronomical unit is denoted by the symbol AU.
The distance between other astronomical objects is also measured in astronomical units. This helps one to compare the distance between the astronomical distance between the objects as compared to the distance between the Earth and the sun.
For example, the distance between the sun and Saturn is 9.5 AU. This shows that the distance between Saturn and the sun is 9.5 times the distance between the Earth and the sun.
The value of one astronomical unit
Here,
One astronomical unit is equal to
Note:
The value of one astronomical unit is maximum for aphelion (when distance between the sun and the Earth is maximum) and minimum for perihelion (when distance between the sun and the Earth is minimum).
Latest Vedantu courses for you
Grade 11 Science PCM | CBSE | SCHOOL | English
CBSE (2025-26)
School Full course for CBSE students
₹41,848 per year
Recently Updated Pages
Master Class 11 Economics: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 11 Accountancy: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 11 English: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 11 Social Science: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 11 Physics: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 11 Biology: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Trending doubts
How many moles and how many grams of NaCl are present class 11 chemistry CBSE

How do I get the molar mass of urea class 11 chemistry CBSE

Plants which grow in shade are called A Sciophytes class 11 biology CBSE

A renewable exhaustible natural resource is A Petroleum class 11 biology CBSE

In which of the following gametophytes is not independent class 11 biology CBSE

Find the molecular mass of Sulphuric Acid class 11 chemistry CBSE
