What is the comet's speed at the midpoint?

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Homework Help Overview

The original poster presents a problem involving a comet being influenced by the gravitational pull of two stars in a binary system. The question specifically asks for the speed of the comet at the midpoint between the two stars.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Some participants inquire about the specifics of the original question, seeking clarification on what is being asked. Others suggest considering the conservation of energy as a potential approach to the problem.

Discussion Status

The discussion appears to be in its early stages, with participants seeking clarification and offering hints without reaching a consensus or resolution. There is an indication of a productive direction with the mention of conservation of energy.

Contextual Notes

There seems to be some confusion regarding the original question, as participants have requested clarification multiple times. Additionally, there is a note of a potential derailment of the thread due to off-topic discussions.

jkh4
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A binary star system has two stars, each with the same mass as our sun, separated by 1.10×1012 . A comet is very far away and essentially at rest. Slowly but surely, gravity pulls the comet toward the stars. Suppose the comet travels along a straight line that passes through the midpoint between the two stars.

My question is "What is the comet's speed at the midpoint?"

Thank you!
 
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And what is your question?
 
Hootenanny said:
And what is your question?


sorry forget to post my question...

What is the comet's speed at the midpoint?

Thank you
 
HINT: Conservation of energy.
 
“While we teach, we learn.” - Seneca
This can't be true!
 
ritwik06 said:
“While we teach, we learn.” - Seneca
This can't be true!
And why not? :cool:
 
Hootenanny said:
And why not? :cool:

No hard feelings sir :biggrin: but one really can't teach anybody if he tries to learn while he teaches. He must be perfect in his own sense.
 
ritwik, please do not derail a homework thread. If you wish to have a conversation about a member's signature, please do so privately using the PM option.
 
I am awfully sorry!
 

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