Two bodies, one of mass M and the other of mass m, are subject only to their mutual gravitational attraction. One possible motion is for both of them to revolve in concentric circles about their center of mass. What is the connection between the period of the revolutions and the separation R between the two bodies in this case? A) 2πR^3/2/[G(M+m)]^1/2 B) 2πR^3/2(M+m)^1/2/(GMm)^1/2 C) 2πR^3/2(M+m)^1/2/[G(M²+m²)]^1/2 D) 2πR^3/2(M+m)/(G)^1/2 (Mm)³^/⁴ E) 4πR^3/2(M+m)/(G)^1/2 (Mm)³^/⁴

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The period of revolution is given by:T = 2πR^(3/2)/[G(M+m)]^(1/2)

Two Bodies, One of Mass M and the Other of Mass