Proving the Mass Difference in Our Solar System's Sun and Planet P's Sun

  • Thread starter exequor
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Galaxy
In summary, the conversation discusses the relationship between the period of a planet's orbit, the mass of the star it orbits, and the radius of the orbit. It also mentions the work of Kepler and Newton in understanding these relationships. Specifically, it is stated that the period of planet p's orbit is half of Earth's and the masses of the two stars are Se and Sp respectively. The conversation also mentions the need to have an understanding of Kepler's laws and the relationship between period and distance in order to show that the mass of the sun in Earth's orbit is four times that of the sun in planet p's orbit.
  • #1
exequor
393
0
Our solar system is in the milky way galaxy. if you are told that in another galaxy a planet p has a circular orbit equal to that of the Earth's (that is they both have the same radius). the masses of the suns in the 2 galaxys are Se and Sp respectively and planet p completes its orbit in half the time it takes the earth.

How do i show that the mass of the sun in the Earth's orbit is 4 times the mass of the sun in planet p's orbit?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
What is the relationship between the period of a planet's orbit around its "Sun", the mass of the star, the radius of the orbit, and any other factors that may be relevant?

Have you learned of Kepler, the work he did, and what Newton subsequently showed concerning Kepler's results?
 
  • #3
Nereid said:
What is the relationship between the period of a planet's orbit around its "Sun", the mass of the star, the radius of the orbit, and any other factors that may be relevant?QUOTE]

the period of planet p was half of Earth's period (183 days). no information is given on the mass. the radius is the same as Earth and there aren't any other factors.
 
Last edited:
  • #4
I meant, in general ... e.g. Earth, Venus, Jupiter ... Have you studied Kepler or Newton in class yet?
 
  • #5
we just studiend like F = (m1 x m2 x G)/r^2 and the relationship between g (acceleration due to gravity) and G (gravitational constant)
 
  • #6
i would think that you would need to have an understanding of keplars laws. More specifically, you need to have knowledge of a relationship between the period and the distance.
 
  • #7
thanx guys i figured it out using keeplers 3rd law.
 

Related to Proving the Mass Difference in Our Solar System's Sun and Planet P's Sun

1. How is the mass difference between our solar system's Sun and Planet P's Sun determined?

The mass difference between two celestial bodies can be determined by measuring their gravitational pull on nearby objects. The greater the mass, the stronger the gravitational pull will be.

2. What is the estimated mass difference between our solar system's Sun and Planet P's Sun?

The estimated mass difference between our solar system's Sun and Planet P's Sun is approximately 333,000 times. This means that our Sun is significantly larger and more massive than Planet P's Sun.

3. How do scientists measure the mass of a star or planet?

Scientists use a variety of methods to measure the mass of a star or planet, including observing its orbital motion, measuring its gravitational influence on nearby objects, and analyzing its spectral data. Each method has its own limitations and uncertainties, so multiple techniques are often used to get a more accurate measurement.

4. Is the mass difference between our Sun and Planet P's Sun significant?

Yes, the mass difference between our Sun and Planet P's Sun is significant. Our Sun is considered a large star, while Planet P's Sun is classified as a small star. The mass difference between the two greatly affects the size and behavior of the two stars.

5. How does the mass difference between our Sun and Planet P's Sun impact their planetary systems?

The mass difference between our Sun and Planet P's Sun can have a significant impact on their respective planetary systems. The larger mass of our Sun allows it to hold onto its planets more tightly, while the smaller mass of Planet P's Sun may result in less stable orbits for its planets. This can affect the habitability and overall stability of each planetary system.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
18
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
503
Replies
6
Views
961
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
23
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
10
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
725
Back
Top