Calculating Planet Mass from Stellar and Orbital Speed

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the mass of a planet based on the given stellar mass and the orbital speeds of both the star and the planet. The context is rooted in gravitational physics and orbital mechanics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the need for relevant equations and the attempt to find the center of rotation in relation to the masses involved. There is also a focus on understanding the physics rather than simply obtaining an answer.

Discussion Status

The discussion highlights a lack of consensus on how to proceed, with some participants emphasizing the importance of understanding the underlying concepts rather than just seeking a direct answer. Guidance has been offered regarding the need to explore the center of rotation and its relation to mass.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted absence of certain information, such as relevant equations and attempts at solutions, which participants are encouraged to provide. The discussion reflects a commitment to educational integrity, emphasizing the need for effort in understanding the problem.

Dustin salinas
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Homework Statement



Stellar mass 3.8 x 10^30 kg
Star's orbital speed: 90 m/s
Planet's orbital speed: 95,000 m/s

Whats the mass of the planet in kilograms
[/B]

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

 
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You seem to have forgotten to fill in "Relevant equations" and "The attempt at a solution"!
 
This is my sons homework I am just trying to get the answer and see if someone can show me how to get it so i can help him
 
Dustin salinas said:

Homework Statement



Stellar mass 3.8 x 10^30 kg
Star's orbital speed: 90 m/s
Planet's orbital speed: 95,000 m/s

Whats the mass of the planet in kilograms
[/B]

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

Can you find the distance to the centre of rotation from each body? What does that tell you about relative mass?

AM
 
No that's all the information he's given
 
Dustin salinas said:
This is my sons homework I am just trying to get the answer and see if someone can show me how to get it so i can help him

We don't give out answers to homework questions, so that's why you're being asked to find the center of rotation. It's the same point as the center of mass.

We could teach you how to make the right answer, but instead we teach you how to make sense of the physics involved in making the answer. If you communicate the former to your son and not the latter it won't have any instructional value.
 
O ok apparently i came to the wrong forum. I thought i could just get help to teach him how to make the right answer. Like the formula to finding mass with those factors
 
I suggest that your son join Physics Forums.
 
Apparently him joining wouldn't get him closer to an answer
 
  • #10
Thread closed.
Dustin salinas said:
Apparently him joining wouldn't get him closer to an answer
As already mentioned, we aren't a service where someone posts a question and we give the answer. If your son wants help, he should become a member, and we will steer him in the right direction, but he has to show some effort.
 

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