Energy of a Binary System (Gravitation)

Join the discussion
Ask a follow-up here, or get your own question answered by working scientists, mathematicians and engineers — people, not an autocomplete.
Real named experts · corrections over time · the nuance an AI answer skips
1 reply · 4K views
somebody8888
Messages
1
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


What is the kinetic energy and total mechanical energy of a binary system of identical spheres orbiting around their common center of mass?
M = mass
R = radius

Homework Equations


Force of gravity = GM^2/2R
K = 1/2MV^2

The Attempt at a Solution


I don't know whether or not you double the kinetic energy since there are two spheres.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Of course you would have to add the K.E of the two spheres for the total K.E.
And your eqn. for force is wrong??