Distance between Binary Star Systems

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the distance between two stars in a binary star system, given their mass and orbital period. The context includes gravitational and centripetal forces, as well as the application of Kepler's laws.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between gravitational force and centripetal force, with attempts to derive the distance based on the given parameters. Questions arise regarding the interpretation of the results and potential mistakes in calculations.

Discussion Status

Some participants have confirmed agreement with the book's answer, while others express uncertainty about their calculations. There is an ongoing exploration of the assumptions made in the problem setup, particularly regarding the mass of the stars and the interpretation of the distance calculated.

Contextual Notes

Participants are considering the implications of their calculations and whether the provided answer in the textbook refers to the radius or diameter of the system. There is also a request for clarification on formatting equations in LaTeX.

G01
Science Advisor
Gold Member
Messages
2,709
Reaction score
19
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:
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
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
 
Last edited:
ahh i see thank you.
 
how did u do the second step? i.e.,r=(GM/2w square)*1/3
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
6K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K