Question: An astronomer is measuring the light emitted by a binary star system. One of the stars appears to be much more massive than the other.

An astronomer is measuring the light emitted by a binary star system. One of the stars appears to be much more massive than the other. The astronomer notices that the smaller star orbits the larger one in a nearly circular orbit at a distance of r=783r=783106106 km. Through careful observation, she measures the smaller star's orbital speed to be v=14.1v=14.1km/s. Using Keppler's Laws she calculates the mass of the larger star. What is it? Use G=6.671011G=6.671011 Nm22/kg22.

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