- #1
Jordanosaur
- 10
- 0
Hi guys -
Here's the problem I am chewing on:
A binary star system consists of two stars, each equal to the sun in mass. The distance between the two stars is 1.0 X 10^12m. A comet which is essentially at rest, begins to make its journey toward the binary star system as a result of gravity acting upon the comet. If the comet begins a straight line approach that will result in it passing through the midpoint of the distance between the stars, what will the velocity of the comet be at the midpoint?
I believe this to be a problem in which we need to identify the gravitational PE between the two stars, and use the answer to calculate the gravitational force acting on the comet being pulled into the star system.
I can find Ug by using the PE formula for two bodies: Ug = -G(m1m2)/r
I am coming up with roughly 2.65 X 10^8 J, but I don't understand how I can turn this around to apply to the comet's approach to the system. Any suggestions as to where I can start?
Thanks
Jordan
Here's the problem I am chewing on:
A binary star system consists of two stars, each equal to the sun in mass. The distance between the two stars is 1.0 X 10^12m. A comet which is essentially at rest, begins to make its journey toward the binary star system as a result of gravity acting upon the comet. If the comet begins a straight line approach that will result in it passing through the midpoint of the distance between the stars, what will the velocity of the comet be at the midpoint?
I believe this to be a problem in which we need to identify the gravitational PE between the two stars, and use the answer to calculate the gravitational force acting on the comet being pulled into the star system.
I can find Ug by using the PE formula for two bodies: Ug = -G(m1m2)/r
I am coming up with roughly 2.65 X 10^8 J, but I don't understand how I can turn this around to apply to the comet's approach to the system. Any suggestions as to where I can start?
Thanks
Jordan