Binary-star system, gravity + centripetal force question?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the period of revolution for a binary-star system where each star has a mass of 1.36e30 kg and is separated by a distance of 1.1e8 km. The relationship between gravity and centripetal force is established using the formula (g*m*m)/d^2 = (mv^2)/r. The participant initially struggled with unit conversion but successfully solved the problem by converting kilometers to meters, leading to the correct calculation of the stars' revolution period in Earth years.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of gravitational force and centripetal force concepts
  • Familiarity with Newton's law of gravitation
  • Basic knowledge of unit conversion (kilometers to meters)
  • Proficiency in algebraic manipulation of equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of Kepler's laws of planetary motion
  • Learn about gravitational interactions in multi-body systems
  • Explore advanced topics in celestial mechanics
  • Investigate numerical methods for simulating binary star systems
USEFUL FOR

Astronomy students, astrophysicists, and anyone interested in the dynamics of binary star systems and gravitational interactions.

basenne
Messages
20
Reaction score
0
1. In a certain binary-star system, each star has the a mass of 1.36e30 kg, and they revolve about their center of mass. The distance between them is 1.1e8 km. What is their period of revolution in Earth years?
2.
gravity = centripetal force
(g*m*m)/d^2 = (mv^2)/r

3. I've tried plugging in numbers, tried 1/2 of 1.1e8 for R and 1.1e8 for D(diameter), didn't work. Not quite sure what I'm doing wrong. I know that v^2 becomes (diameter/time)^2 and to solve from there, however, I'm just not sure where to start. (
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Nevermind, got it. It's actually really easy, I just forgot to change kilometers into meters... fail!
 

Similar threads

Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
4K