the composition of the planet
the distance of the planet
the temperature of the planet
the mass of the planet
Which one is the answer?
2007-08-09 16:56:05 · 5 answers · asked by Chikita 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
The mass. If you can establish the orbit of a satellite you can determine the mass of the planet:
Suppose the planet has mass M and the satellite has mass m and has a circular orbit at distance r from the planet with period T.
Then the orbital velocity of the satellite is v = 2πr/T and by equating centripetal and gravitational force we get
mv^2 / r = GMm / r^2
<=> 4π^2 r^2 / rT^2 = GM / r^2
<=> M = 4π^2 r^3 / GT^2.
2007-08-09 16:58:37 · answer #1 · answered by Scarlet Manuka 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A satellite was most helpful for determing Pluto's mass. With that information in hand, Pluto gravitational tug was used to find Charon's mass. The mass of the planet, plus it's diameter then will constrain what the planet could be made of, because the two quantitites can then be used to find the planet's density. That combines with the size narrows down the composition of the planet. The resulting orbit found for Charon, it's rotation rate plus that of Pluto provided a lot of helpful clues for astronomers regarding Pluto.
2007-08-09 17:24:10 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
the mass of the planet
btw, Pluto has 3 satellites. Besides Charon there's the smaller Hydra and Nix.
2007-08-09 16:59:08 · answer #3 · answered by BP 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
None of the above.
2007-08-12 15:47:15 · answer #4 · answered by johnandeileen2000 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Do you want us to do the whole test for you?
2007-08-09 16:58:47 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋