- #1
R_moor
- 10
- 0
Homework Statement
Given a graph (see below) containing the velocities of two stars with respect to the sun, I am asked to calculate the velocity of the centre of mass of a binary system. I am not given the mass of either star, nor the shape of the orbit nor the velocity of the centre of mass.
Homework Equations
I know that the velocity of the centre of mass is given by :
V_cm = 1/M * [ m_1V_1 + m_2V_2] with M being the total mass of the system (m_1 + m_2) .
The Attempt at a Solution
So far I don't know how to start the problem, without more information, what I thought was that since the orbits are out of phase ( one orbits looks like a cosine function and the other like a sine function), one possible answer might be that the velocity of the centre of mass is just the average velocity at any given instant but I am honestly so lost I can't even write anything that make sense.
I would appreciate any help getting started.