What are the orbital parameters of a planet orbiting a star?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the orbital parameters of a planet orbiting a star, specifically focusing on gravitational forces, distances, and orbital periods. The problem involves calculations related to a star located 59 light years from Earth and a planet with a specified mass and gravitational force acting upon it.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss using Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation to find the distance between the planet and the star, as well as the orbital period of the planet. There are attempts to apply specific equations for calculating the semi-major axis and period, with some participants expressing confusion over their calculations.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered guidance on using gravitational equations, while others express uncertainty about their calculations and outcomes. There appears to be ongoing exploration of the relationships between force, mass, and distance, with no clear consensus reached yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of a homework problem, which may limit the information available for solving the questions. There is also a mention of a second planet with an orbital period related to the first, adding complexity to the discussion.

jaymode
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Here is my problem:
The star is 59 light years from the Earth and has a mass of 1.90×1030 kg.

A. A large planet of mass 1.20×1028 kg is known to orbit this star. The planet is attracted to the star by a force of 3.50×1026 N when their centers are separated by a distance equal to the semi-major axis of the planet's orbit. Calculate this distance (in m).

B. What is the period (in days) of this planet's orbit?

C.Other as yet undiscovered planets may orbit this star. If a second planet is in a circular orbit around the star with an orbital period equal to 8.00 times the value found in part (b), what is the radius (in m) of the second planet's orbit?

I have attempted A, but cannot seem to figure out how to get the distance. I was trying to use the equation a = (GmT^2/4pi^2)^1/3
 
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jaymode said:
I have attempted A, but cannot seem to figure out how to get the distance. I was trying to use the equation a = (GmT^2/4pi^2)^1/3

Try just Newton's Law on part A:

[tex]F=\frac{GMm}{r^2}[/tex]

Then use your equation for part B.
 
SpaceTiger said:
Try just Newton's Law on part A:

[tex]F=\frac{GMm}{r^2}[/tex]

Then use your equation for part B.

That does not work out. I get an incredibly small number which I know is wrong.
 
nm I was stupid and not doing the math correctly.
 
For a)

[tex]F = \frac{GMm}{R^2}[/tex]

[tex]R = \sqrt{\frac{GMm}{F}}[/tex]

[tex]R = \sqrt{\frac{6.67x10^{-11} * 1.9 x 10^{30} * 1.2 x 10^{28}}{3.5 x 10^{26}}} = \sqrt{4.35 x 10^{21}} = 6.59 x 10^{11} m[/tex]

No
For b)


a = (GmT^2/4pi^2)^1/3

[tex]a = \frac{3.5x10^{26}}{1.2x10^{28}}[/tex]

G = 6.67 x 10^-11
T = What you want

[tex]\sqrt{\frac{4a^3\pi^2}{Gm}} = T[/tex]

For c)

Find T from above, multiply by 8. Solve for R and find R.
 

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