Solve problems and analyse information

Astrophysics > 5. Binary and Variable Stars >

Solve problems and analyse information by applying: 

  • Kepler’s third law
  • m1 + m2 are individual masses, r = radius, G = gravitational constant, T = period
  • Only gives sum of masses, to get individual:
  • m1 = M(r – r1)/r, M = total mass, r = distance to each star, r1 = distance from one star to centre of mass