How to Convert Units for Finding the Mass of a Star?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around unit conversion necessary for calculating the mass of a star using a specific formula involving period, angle, and distance measurements. Participants are exploring the implications of converting angles from arcseconds to radians and the impact on their calculations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to convert angles from arcseconds to degrees and then to radians, questioning the accuracy of their conversions and the resulting mass calculations. There are discussions about the origin of the formula used and its components.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights into their conversion attempts and the resulting mass estimates, while others express confusion about the formula's derivation and its parameters. There is a recognition of differing results, indicating ongoing exploration of the problem.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of a homework assignment, which may limit the information available for their calculations. There is uncertainty regarding the accuracy of the angle conversions and the implications for the mass results.

leonne
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Homework Statement


Need help with some unit conversion. The problem asks to find mass of a star.
p=1.58e9 seconds a=7.61" d=8.15e18 cm +-.001



Homework Equations


M=(4pie^2 d^3 a^3)/Gp^2


The Attempt at a Solution


My problem is with " arcsecond i think it is. The mass should be 5.967e33 grams about. I tried converting it into degrees but get a huge number.
 
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hey i know used the degree and got total mass as 3541 solar mass and only should be 3 solar mass, so something must be wrong idk wht
thxs anyways
 
I can't help you because I have no idea where you are getting your equation.
Did you determine the equation yourself or was it a given

period of what
angle of what
distance from what to what
 
thats the formula to find center of mass for a star distance is between the two star period is how long it takes for a rotation
 
nvm i think i got it, i think i convert it into radians
 
whats the angle
 
well when i used 3.689e-5 rad for the semi-major axes (a) that gave me a much better answer still have the masses off by as little but my numbers are little different from what wiki has so should be all good. thxs
 

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