Law of Two Bodies: Smaller Body Breaks Up

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of gravitational interactions between two bodies of different sizes, specifically focusing on the conditions under which the smaller body may break apart due to its proximity to the larger body. The scope includes theoretical considerations related to orbital mechanics and gravitational effects.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the law governing the breakup of a smaller body orbiting a larger one, suggesting a specific relationship between their sizes.
  • Another participant suggests that the concept may relate to tidal forces.
  • A third participant proposes Roche's limit as a relevant concept, clarifying that it pertains to the breakup of a body when it orbits too closely to a larger body, rather than strictly based on size.
  • The initial inquirer confirms that Roche's limit is indeed what they were looking for, expressing gratitude for the clarification.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that Roche's limit is relevant to the discussion, but there is no consensus on the specific conditions under which the smaller body breaks apart, as the initial inquiry and responses suggest some ambiguity regarding size and proximity.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not fully resolve the relationship between the size of the smaller body and its stability in orbit, leaving some assumptions about the conditions under which Roche's limit applies unaddressed.

sahd0w
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Does anyone know the name of the law that says that if 2 bodies of different sizes are orbiting each other, the smaller one will break up if its a certain size to the other one?
 
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Tides?!

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sahd0w said:
Does anyone know the name of the law that says that if 2 bodies of different sizes are orbiting each other, the smaller one will break up if its a certain size to the other one?

You may be thinking of Roche's limit. However, this says that the second body will break up if it orbits too close to the primary, not if "it's a certain size".
 
yes that's it! thank you so much. its been bothering me all day and i couldn't find anything on it. yeah i meant anything along the lines of the smaller body being so affected by the larger one that it breaks up hehe. thanks again
 

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