Where is the center of mass and black hole in this space system?

In summary, the space system being discussed consists of two visible stars, a blue giant with a mass of 11M and a red dwarf with a mass of 0.5M, as well as a black hole with a mass of 2M whose location is unknown. The system also follows certain assumptions, such as circular orbits around the center of mass, all lying in the same plane, and all orbiting in the same direction. The relevant equations involve algebra, trigonometry, and the center of mass equation. The coordinates of the two stars have been mapped out, with the blue giant at (700, 0) and the red dwarf at (800, -200). The direction of the velocity of the bodies in relation
  • #1
Ertosthnes
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0
A space system consists of two visible stars, one is a blue giant with a mass of 11M and the other is a red dwarf with a mass of 0.5M. The system also has a black hole with a mass of 2M but we don't know where it is located. The blue giant is 700 gigameters away from you along the x-axis and the red dwarf is 825 gigameters away from you 14 degrees below the x axis. The blue giant is moving in the +y direction and the dwarf moves 45 degrees clockwise of the +y direction.

We're looking for the system's center of mass, and the location of the black hole.

We also assume the following about the system:
1) Orbits are approximately circular about the system's center of mass
2) All lie in the same plane
3) All orbit in the same direction (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise)

The relevant equations are uses of algebra, trigonometry, and the center of mass equation, as far as I can tell.

So far I've mapped out the locations of the two planets; the blue giant's coordinates are (700, 0) and the red dwarf's coordinates are (800,-200). I have no idea how to continue.
 
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  • #2
If we can assume that the orbits are circular, what does this tell you about the direction of the velocity of the bodies in relation to the circular path?
 
  • #3
The direction should be perpendicular.
 
  • #4
I thought this post looked familiar ... and, yep, its exactly the same as this thread (less the replies). Ertosthnes, you aren't supposed to create multiple threads with the exact same topic.
 

1. What is the center of mass?

The center of mass is a point on an object or system where the mass is evenly distributed in all directions. It is also known as the center of gravity.

2. Why is the center of mass important?

The center of mass is important because it helps determine the stability and balance of an object or system. It is also useful in calculating the motion and behavior of objects under the influence of external forces.

3. How is the center of mass calculated?

The center of mass is calculated by finding the weighted average of the positions of all the individual parts of an object or system. This can be done by dividing the total mass of the system by the sum of the mass of each individual part multiplied by its distance from a chosen point.

4. Can the center of mass be outside of an object?

Yes, the center of mass can be outside of an object if the mass distribution is not symmetrical. This can occur in objects with irregular shapes or in systems with multiple objects of different masses.

5. How does the center of mass affect rotational motion?

The center of mass plays a crucial role in rotational motion as it determines the axis of rotation for an object or system. The closer the axis of rotation is to the center of mass, the easier it is for the object to rotate. This is why objects with a lower center of mass, such as a spinning top, are more stable and easier to rotate.

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