a star has a planet held in orbit by gravitational attraction if the mass of the star were doubled what effect would this have on the gravitational attraction between the star and the planet ? explain your answer
2007-07-30 04:36:18 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
You might need to do some math here to defend the choice, but basically what would happen is that the planet would be drawn closer.
2007-07-30 04:39:07 · answer #1 · answered by Brian L 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The gravitational force F = M.m / r^2 where M and m are the two masses and r is the radius between their two centres.
If M becomes double, the Force becomes double too. So, the planet would be pulled closer to the star but in that process it also gets accelerated and thus the orbital velocity of the planet will increase. So, the planet will enter into a new orbit closer to the star. How close it will come needs some calculations, which off-hand, I can't do but I am sure that can be worked out.
2007-07-30 11:47:42 · answer #2 · answered by Swamy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The planet would be attracted towards the star
Use Newtons Law of Gravitation ... F = k(M1)(M2) / (r^2)
as long as nothing else changes .... planet moves towards star!
2007-07-30 11:42:41 · answer #3 · answered by Chris A 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋