You are observing a binary system with two stars of masses M₁ and M₂.You determine a,the semimajor axis (also the average distance between the stars)and P,the period of their motion.Using this information in Kepler's third law,you can calculate:
A) M₁ or M₂ but not both.
B) M₁/M₂.
C) M₁ + M₂.
D) both M₁ and M₂.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Kepler's third law for a binary system states that P² = (4π²/G(M₁ + M₂))a³, which allows you to calculate the sum of the masses, M₁ + M₂, using the semimajor axis a and the period P.

You Are Observing a Binary System with Two Stars of Masses