Binary stars and their masses
Answers are for parents and teachers.
1
a = 9 AU, P = 27 years: a³ / P² = 729 : 729 = ? M☉
1
2
a = 10 AU, P = 10 years: total mass = 1000 : 100 = ?
10
3
Total mass 6 M☉, a₁ : a₂ = 1 : 2. Find M₁ (M₁ : M₂ = 2 : 1; 6 · 2 : 3).
4
4
Why do eclipsing binaries allow radii to be measured?
The duration and depth of the eclipses give star sizes and orbital speeds.
5
Algol is eclipsed once every 2.87 days. About how many days are 10 cycles (≈ 28.7, rounded)?
29