Question: Astronomers can deduce the existence of a binary star system even if the two stars cannot be visually resolved by noting an alternating Doppler shift

Astronomers can deduce the existence of a binary star system even if the two stars cannot be visually resolved by noting an alternating Doppler shift of a spectral line. Suppose that an astronomical observation shows that the source of light is eclipsed once every 18 h. The wavelength of the spectral line observed changes from a maximum of 563 nm to a minimum of 539 nm. Assume that the double star system consists of a very massive, dark object and a relatively light star that radiates the observed spectral line. Use the data to determine the separation between the two objects (assume that the light object is in a circular orbit about the massive one) and the mass of the massive object. (Use the approximation ∆f / f0 ≈ v/c.

Step by Step Solution

3.50 Rating (177 Votes )

There are 3 Steps involved in it

1 Expert Approved Answer
Step: 1 Unlock

The maximum and minimum frequencies f max 5566 10 14 0 Hz ... View full answer

blur-text-image
Question Has Been Solved by an Expert!

Get step-by-step solutions from verified subject matter experts

Step: 2 Unlock
Step: 3 Unlock

Document Format (1 attachment)

Word file Icon

10-P-M-W-M (253).docx

120 KBs Word File

Students Have Also Explored These Related Oscillations Mechanical Waves Questions!