How to Determine the Period and Separation of an Eclipsing Binary Star System?

AI Thread Summary
To determine the period (P) and separation (a) of an eclipsing binary star system, the discussion highlights the characteristics of two main sequence stars, including their absolute magnitudes, temperatures, radii, and masses. The brighter star has an absolute magnitude of -1 and a mass of 3.17 solar masses, while the smaller star has an absolute magnitude of 3 and a mass of 1.4 solar masses. The eclipse duration of the smaller star is noted to be P/7. The participant is seeking additional formulas beyond Kepler's laws and expresses urgency due to an upcoming science competition. The discussion emphasizes the need for further guidance and resources to solve the problem effectively.
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This problem deals with two main sequence stars in an eclipsing binary star system. I need to determine the system's peiod and separation (P and a).
Right now i know that the brightest star has an absolute magnitude of -1 (219 solar luminosity), is 17,000 degrees kelvin, has a radius of 1.74 solar radii (1,280,000 km) and is 3.17 solar masses. The smaller star has an absolute magnitude of 3 (6 solar luminosity), and is 1.4 solar masses.
the time it takes for the eclipse of the small star (the smaller dip) is P/7.

Go to this site (#24 +#25) to see the illustration of the problem...

h ttp://www.tufts.edu/as/wright_center/fellows/sci_olympiad/astro_ohio_questions_2003.pdfthis site has the answers... i just don't know how to get them!

h ttp://www.tufts.edu/as/wright_center/fellows/sci_olympiad/astro_ohio_answers2003.pdf

i know kepler's law: m1 +m2 = a^3/p^2
2(pi)R= (velocity) x p
m/M=x1/x2
There must be other formulas i don't know about...i am going nowhere. i have asked my teachers and they don't know what to do either. This is practice for a science olympiad competion and it will likely be on the test. Help please! i don't have much time!
 
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Those links don't work.
 
now they do.. just delete the space between the "h" and the "t" in http
 
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