Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the implications of a non-zero quadrupole moment in one star of a binary system and its effects on the gravitational forces experienced by both stars. Participants explore the potential violation of Newton's third law due to the asymmetrical influence of the quadrupole force.
Discussion Character
Main Points Raised
- One participant posits that if only one star in a binary system has a non-zero quadrupole moment, it experiences an additional force from the quadrupole potential, leading to an imbalance in action and reaction as per Newton's third law.
- Another participant challenges the initial premise, suggesting that the claim of imbalance is based on a misunderstanding of gravitational interactions, asserting that both stars will feel the effects of the quadrupole force due to their mutual gravitational influence.
- A further response emphasizes that when calculating gravitational forces, the contributions from each star's mass distribution must be considered, which ensures compliance with Newton's third law.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express disagreement regarding the interpretation of Newton's third law in the context of quadrupole forces, with some asserting that the law holds true while others question its applicability in this specific scenario.
Contextual Notes
The discussion involves assumptions about the nature of gravitational forces in binary systems and the specific conditions under which quadrupole moments affect these forces. The implications of these assumptions on the validity of Newton's third law remain unresolved.