Period of revolution of two double stars

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the period of revolution for two double stars, each with a mass equal to the sun, separated by 4 light years. Participants explore the use of the Lagrangian and gravitational equations but encounter issues with dimensional consistency and the application of the reduced mass concept. There is confusion regarding whether the term "double stars" refers to four stars acting in pairs, leading to questions about the correct interpretation of the forces involved. The gravitational force equation is clarified, emphasizing that the stars experience mutual attraction, and the radius for circular orbits is defined as half the separation distance. The conversation highlights the complexities of applying orbital mechanics to this specific scenario.
leftnes
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Homework Statement


Two double stars of the same mass as the sun rotate about their common center of mass. Their separation is 4 light years. What is their period of revolution?


Homework Equations


Lagranian = T - U = \mu\dot{r}^{2}/2 + \vec{L}^{2}/2\mu r^{2} - Gm_{1}m_{2}/r
F = ma = m\omega^{2}r = Gm_{1}m_{2}/r


The Attempt at a Solution


Tried to solve this using the orbital equation , but I'm off by a power of 10. I've also tried using F = m\omega^{2}r = Gm_{1}m_{2}/r and solving for the period using \omega = 2\pi r/T but I'm not sure where I'm going wrong. Since the question asks for the period of two double stars, does this mean that the reduced mass is \mu = (2m_{1})(2m_{2})/(2m_{1} + 2m_{2}) = 4m^{2}/4m = m since all the masses are the same? I'm assuming that two double stars means 4 separate stars acting in pairs. I'm not really sure where to go with this problem.
 
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leftnes said:
F = m\omega^{2}r = Gm_{1}m_{2}/r
Aren't there a couple of things wrong with the RHS? It's dimensionally wrong for a force, no? And is r standing for the same distance each side?
 
Oops, yeah.

F = m\omega^{2}r = Gm_{1}m_{2}/r^{2}

I believe? Since \omega^{2} = a/r, I substituted for acceleration and set the only acting force on the stars as their gravitational attraction towards each other. Am I missing something else?
 
And assuming a circular orbit, r = .5d, where d is the separation between the stars.
 
leftnes said:
And assuming a circular orbit, r = .5d, where d is the separation between the stars.

If the separation is d, what force does each experience?
 
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