Gravitational Force Between Point Masses
 

Gravitational Force Between Point Masses problem 21


A binary star consists of two stars A and B that orbit one another, as illustrated in the figure below.




The stars are in circular orbits with the centres of both orbits at point P, a distance from the centre of star A.


  • Explain why the centripetal force acting on both stars has the same magnitude.


  • The separation of the centres of the stars is . The mass of star A is . The mass of star B is . The ratio is . Determine the distance .


 

main author and content editor: Odafe Adjeke