How to calculate day length of a tidelocked double planet?

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SUMMARY

The calculation for determining the day length of a tidelocked double planet involves recognizing that the rotational period of each planet is equal to their orbital period due to tidal locking. The relevant formula for calculating orbital periods is derived from Kepler's Third Law, expressed as T² = 4π(r³)/(G(M1+M2)), assuming circular orbits. No adjustments are necessary for the equation when both planets are tidelocked, as their rotation and revolution periods coincide. If the planets were not tidelocked, a different approach would be required to calculate their rotational periods.

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  • Understanding of Kepler's Third Law of planetary motion
  • Familiarity with gravitational constant (G) and its application
  • Knowledge of circular orbital mechanics
  • Basic concepts of tidal locking in celestial bodies
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  • Investigate the effects of mass ratios on orbital dynamics
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Astronomers, astrophysicists, and students studying celestial mechanics, particularly those interested in the dynamics of tidelocked systems and double planets.

AotrsCommander
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Quick question: what's the calculation required for working out the day length (i.e. rotational period) of a double planet, where both planets are tidelocked to each other? Do just need to make adjustments to Kepler's Third?

I've got a spread sheet set up to allow me to calculate orbital periods via Kepler's Third, but I'm not sure what adjustments (if any) I need to make to the equation for double planets orbiting each other or whether this is even the right formula to use in this instance (i.e for rotational period of the two bodies.)

Currently set up for calcualtions as follows for orbital periods:

##{T^2}=4π\frac{r^3}{G(M1+M2)}##

(Assuming circular orbits, because that's a good enough abstraction for what I'm doing.)

I am half-thinking that I don't need to do anything and that time for the rotatation period is equal to the orbital period, but I would appreciate a confirmation.

(Secondary question, more hypothetically, if they weren't tide-locked, what equation would you use?)
 
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AotrsCommander said:
I am half-thinking that I don't need to do anything and that time for the rotatation period is equal to the orbital period, but I would appreciate a confirmation.
Of course. If the planets are tidally locked, their rotation periods are equal to their revolution period.
 
Right, thanks. (It's been a few months since I last looked at the this, so I wasn't entirely sure.)
 

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