Calculating the Mass of the Sun Using Orbital Data and Gravitational Constant G

In summary, you can calculate the mass of the sun by using the Earth's orbit radius (1.5 x 10^11m), the Earth's period in its orbit, and the gravitational constant of G. Use the formula v=2pi x r / T and r=ct to solve for the mass of the sun, which is 1.98892 × 10^30 kilograms. Remember to focus on summing the forces and not get sidetracked by the speed of light.
  • #1
8parks11
63
0
a)calculate the mass of the sun from the radiuos of the Earth's orbit (1.5 x 10^11m), the Earth's period in its orbit, and the gravitational constant of G.

Sohere we are given the speedof light, 3x10^8, and G as 6.673x10^-11

so i get that v=2pi x r / T
and that r= ct

how do i continue from then on to get the mass of the sun that is
1.98892 × 10^30 kilograms
 
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  • #2
how would i use 2pi * r /T = V
then r = ct?
 
  • #3
zz help! pleasezz
 
  • #4
What are we doing with the speed of light? Stick with summing the forces and you'll be ok.
 

What is the mass of the sun?

The mass of the sun is approximately 1.989 x 10^30 kilograms.

How is the mass of the sun calculated?

The mass of the sun is calculated by using the gravitational force equation F = G(m1m2)/r^2, where G is the gravitational constant, m1 and m2 are the masses of two objects, and r is the distance between them. By measuring the orbital period and distance of a planet around the sun, we can calculate the sun's mass using this equation.

Why is it important to know the mass of the sun?

Knowing the mass of the sun is important for understanding the dynamics of our solar system and the interactions between the sun and other planets. It also helps us to better understand the formation and evolution of stars.

Has the mass of the sun changed over time?

The mass of the sun has not changed significantly over the course of its lifetime. Any changes in mass are likely due to the mass loss through solar winds and nuclear fusion processes.

How does the mass of the sun compare to other stars?

The sun's mass is considered to be average for a star. It is larger than most of the stars in our galaxy, but there are also much larger stars out there. The smallest stars have about 8% of the mass of the sun while the largest have more than 100 times the mass of the sun.

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