Rotational period of binary system

PROBLEM SET
PROBLEM 1. In the equation F = GMm/d2 = MrM2 we
make use of the centripetal acceleration ac = r2.
For the large mass M, rM = xcm. What is rm for the
smaller mass m?

M
xcm

PROBLEM 2. If we had chosen to do our derivation using the small mass

m instead of the large mass M, how would you change the equation F =
GMm/d2 = MrM2? Be sure to substitute your result from PROBLEM 1 into
your answer.

PROBLEM 3.

Now substitute the value of the center of mass

M(0) + md.
md .
xcm =
= M + m ,
M + m

into your result for PROBLEM 2.

PROBLEM 4. Eliminate from your result by the substitution T = 2/.

Then isolate your T.
How does your formula compare to the one in
lecture given by
2d3/2 .
T = [G(M + m)]1/2 ?
PROBLEM 5. Suppose two stars are in mutual circular orbit.
One star
has the same mass as the sun. The other star has four times the mass of
the sun. Suppose further that these are neutron stars, having diameters
so small that they can be located 10,000 km apart.
(a)
Find the center of mass of the system, and sketch one complete
orbit for each star. Be sure to label the stars and include the
cm.
(b)

Find the period of the system.

PROBLEM 6. Suppose two objects are in mutual circular orbit.

One
object is a star which is visible, and much like the sun.
The other
object is a black hole which is invisible.
Telescopes are able to
measure the intensity of the visible star, and infer that it is eclipsed
by its invisible partner every 16 minutes.
(a)
What is the period of the system?
(b)

Can you find d, the separation distance between the star and the
black hole if the star is estimated to travel in a circle of
radius 10,000 km, and to have the mass of the sun?
Be sure to
explain your reasoning clearly.

(c)

Can you find the mass of the black hole?