Distance between Binary Star Systems

AI Thread Summary
In the discussion about the distance between binary star systems, the calculation involves determining the gravitational force and centripetal force acting on one of the stars. The gravitational force equation is set equal to the centripetal force, leading to the formula for the radius of rotation. The correct calculation yields a distance of approximately 9.33 x 10^10 meters between the two stars, confirming the answer provided in the textbook. A participant identifies a potential error in the initial calculations, suggesting that the confusion may stem from misinterpreting the radius versus the diameter. The conversation also touches on formatting equations in LaTeX for clarity.
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A binary star system has a period of T=90 days. Each star is 2X the mass of the sun. They rotate like a dumbell around the center of mass. what is the distance d between them?
OK first, Mass of sun = 1.99 X 10^{30} kg
Lets concentrate on one of the stars rotating around the center of mass. The force of gravity on this star is the centripetal force keeping the star circling the center. So:
F_{g} = F_{c}//<br /> \frac{\G(2M)(4M)}{r^2} = (2M)r\omega^2//<br /> \frac{G(4M)}{\omega^2} = r^3// <br /> r = \sqrt [3] {\frac{\G(4M)}{\omega^2}}
If \omega = 2 \pi f converting T to f and converting to the right units we get
\omega = 8.08 X 10^{-7} rad/s
Now the answer in the back of my book gives the answer as 9.33 X 10^{10} m (Knight, Chapt 12 #61) I'm getting double that value somehow. I can't see what I did wrong. I'm beginning to think that the answer in the back is giving the radius of rotation when it should be giving the diameter. Chances are I'm doing something stupid. Hopefully someone here may see what I'm doing wrong. Thanks for you help. Also if someone can tell me how to make something go to a new line in latex my formulas will be much more legible :rolleyes:
 
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I've got the same answer as your book.

You seem to make one or two mistakes in the distance of two stars or the mass of each star in F_g

My calculation is

Let r be the radius (half the distance).

F_g = \frac {G(2M)^2}{(2r)^2}, F_c = (2M)r\omega^2

so

r = \sqrt[3]{\frac {GM}{2 \omega^2} } = 4.66*10^{10} m where G= 6.672*10^{-11}

distance = 2r = 9.33*10^{10} m
 
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ahh i see thank you.
 
how did u do the second step? i.e.,r=(GM/2w square)*1/3
 
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