Question

Sirius A and B have been studied for almost three orbital periods now so their orbits are well known. The orbital period is 50.1 years, dmin = 8.1 AU, and dmax = 31.5 AU.

Using these values what is the mean separation distance, a, between Sirius A and B?

a = ___ AU

Sirius A and B have been studied for almost three orbital periods now so their orbits are well known. The orbital period is 50.1 years, dmin = 8.1 AU, and dmax = 31.5 AU

Using these values along with the value calculated for the mean separation distance, a, determine the total mass M of the two stars. (Hint: Use the Kepler's Third Law Calculator above)

M = _________ M

Sirius A and B have been studied for almost three orbital periods now so their orbits are well known. The orbital period is 50.1 years, dmin = 8.1 AU, and dmax = 31.5 AU.

From observation we know that at furthest approach d_A = 10.0 AU and d_B = 21.5 AU; use these numbers plus your previous answers to find the mass of Sirius A and Sirius B

m_A = ____ M

m_B = ____ M

Answer 1

1) Given that

Mean seperation distance between A and B is

2)

Total mass of the system is

From the momentum conservation laws, we have

Also, we know that the gravitational and the centripetal force balance each other

we thus have

substitute the given values, we get

3)

given

we have

answered by: anonymous