Re: Galaxies
Wes, on host 204.215.202.185
Friday, May 3, 2002, at 20:42:06
Re: Galaxies posted by Dave on Friday, May 3, 2002, at 20:18:48:
> Nope, wrong again. > > THIS time, I was figuring it with both masses the same at the start, instead of one being twice the other one. > > So I'm pretty sure now I was right THE FIRST DAMN TIME. > > This is what I get for constantly second-guessing myself when it comes to math. > > -- Dave
Actually, I think you were right the second time...
Set M equal to the mass of the smaller star, and you get the equation:
2M/4^2 = M/x^2
where 4 lightyears is the distance to the massive star, and x is the distance to the lighter star. You then get:
M*4^2 = 2M*x^2 , 4^2/2 = x^2 , x = sqrt(8) = 2.8
At least I think that's it. I'm going to fail my AP Physics test next week anyways, so if I'm wrong it doesn't mean much.
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