Question

How do we accurately measure the mass of a star? Hint: First, what kind of star system do we need? Next, what two observable and measureable aspects of the system do we need to obtain? Finally, whose law do we use to apply the mathematics?

Answer 1

To accurately measure the mass of a star, we need a binary star system. By measuring the motion of the stars in the system, we can use Newton's version of Kepler's third law to calculate the individual masses of the stars. calculate the individual masses of the stars in the system.

Step-by-step explanation:

To accurately measure the mass of a star, we need a binary star system, which consists of two stars orbiting around a common center of mass. By measuring the motion of the stars in the system, we can obtain two observable and measurable aspects: the orbital period and the separation between the stars. We can apply Newton's version of Kepler's third law, which relates the orbital period, separation, and sum of the star masses, to calculate the individual masses of the stars in the system.

which consists of two stars orbiting around a common center of mass. By measuring the motion of the stars in the system, we can obtain two observable and measurable aspects: the orbital period and the separation between the stars. We can apply Newton's version of Kepler's third law, which relates the orbital period, separation, and sum of the star masses, to calculate the individual masses of the stars in the system.