Which statement is NOT true about the center of mass of a binary star system?
A) The center of mass is always on the line joining the two stars.
B) The center of mass is simultaneously a focus of the ellipse of each star's motion.
C) The center of mass is always more distant from the more massive star.
D) The center of mass can move with respect to the more distant background stars.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The center of mass is not always more distant from the more massive star. It depends on the masses and distances between the two stars. In some cases, the center of mass can be closer to the less massive star if it is farther away than the more massive star.

Which Statement Is NOT True About the Center of Mass