Two stars of different mass move directly toward each other. As the distance between the stars decreases, the speed of the stars
A) gets smaller for both.
B) stays the same for both.
C) increases for both.
D) stays constant for the larger one and increases for the smaller one.
E) stays constant for the smaller one and decreases for the larger one.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to the law of conservation of momentum, as the stars move toward each other, their total momentum remains constant. As the distance between the stars decreases, their gravitational attraction increases, causing an acceleration toward each other. Since momentum is mass times velocity, and the momentum is conserved, the velocity of both stars will increase as they approach each other. Therefore, the correct option is C.

Two Stars of Different Mass Move Directly Toward Each Other