A new dwarf planet (a term we'll define in the next unit) is discovered beyond Neptune. A tiny moon is discovered to be orbiting it at a constant distance of 4.9x10^8 m from the planet's center, with a period of 1.0x10^7 s. What is the planet's mass? [Use SI ("standard" or "metric") units.]
2007-11-26 14:45:25 · 2 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
If the mass of the moon is very small compared to the dwarf planet, then you can use this formula:
T = 2*pi*SQRT[(a^3)/(G*M)]
T is the orbital period in seconds
pi is pi (3.14159265...)
a is the orbital semi-major axis (if a circle, then the orbital radius) in metres
G is the Gravitational constant 6.672 x 10^-11 N m^2/kg^2
M is the mass of the dwarf planet in kg
You have to solve for M
2007-11-26 14:54:53 · answer #1 · answered by Raymond 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
when do you need to know this by?
i can explain it, but don't have time now.
email me at samidiane@gmail.com
I learned this last year and finally got it.
Do you know the formulas necessary?
2007-11-26 22:55:13 · answer #2 · answered by samidiane 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋