Binary Stars: Equal Mass, 350 Million km Separation, 5.4 Earth Years Orbit".

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the orbital characteristics of a binary star system with two equal mass stars, separated by 350 million km and completing an orbit every 5.4 Earth years. Participants emphasize the need for the correct orbital equations to derive accurate results. The initial calculation of 1.1x10^29 was identified as incorrect, prompting requests for clarification on the relevant equations. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding two-body orbital mechanics in astrophysics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Kepler's laws of planetary motion
  • Familiarity with Newton's law of universal gravitation
  • Knowledge of orbital mechanics and two-body systems
  • Access to relevant astrophysics textbooks or resources
NEXT STEPS
  • Review Kepler's Third Law of Planetary Motion
  • Study Newton's law of universal gravitation in detail
  • Explore the equations governing binary star systems
  • Practice calculations involving orbital periods and distances
USEFUL FOR

Astronomy students, astrophysicists, and anyone interested in understanding binary star dynamics and orbital mechanics.

RileyAllen
Messages
7
Reaction score
0
Suppose that a binary-star system consists of two stars of equal mass. They are observed to be separated by 350 million {\rm km} and take 5.4 Earth years to orbit about a point midway between them.

I got 1.1x10^29 as my answer, but it is incorrect. Can anyone help me out?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
RileyAllen said:
Suppose that a binary-star system consists of two stars of equal mass. They are observed to be separated by 350 million {\rm km} and take 5.4 Earth years to orbit about a point midway between them.

I got 1.1x10^29 as my answer, but it is incorrect. Can anyone help me out?

You're looking for the orbital relationship for a two body rotating about themselves.

Do you have that equation in the book you are studying?
 

Similar threads

Finding the mass of a planet is a binary system
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
6K
Find Absolute Magnitude, distance and "T" of binary star system
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
Binary stars ,time period of orbit?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
6K
Two equal-mass stars orbit each other
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
7K
Finding the Masses of a binary star using the distance, angle and orbital period
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
How Are the Masses of Binary Stars Calculated?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Find the position of the center of mass of the binary star system
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
6K
Hypervelocity Planet: Orbital Dynamics of a Star-Planet System
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Calculating Mass of Stars in a Binary System
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
8K
Binary Star System Period of Revolution
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
5K