Question Details

A binary star has stars of masses m and nm (where n is a numerical factor) having separation of their centres as r. If these stars revolve because of gravitational force of each other, the period of revolution is given by

Options

A

2πr¹.⁵/{Gnm²/(n+1)m}⁰.⁵

B

2πr⁰.⁵/{G(n+1)m/nm}⁰.⁵

C

2πr³/(2GMn/3)

D

2πr¹.⁵/(2GMn/3)⁰.⁶⁷

Correct Answer :

2πr¹.⁵/{Gnm²/(n+1)m}⁰.⁵

Solution :

To find the period of revolution of the binary star system, we can analyze the motion of the two stars about their common center of mass.

Let the two stars have masses:
m1=m
m2=nm

The separation between their centers is given as r. The gravitational force of attraction between the two stars is:
F=Gm1m2r2=Gm(nm)r2=Gnm2r2

Both stars revolve in circular orbits about their common center of mass with the same angular velocity ω. The distance of the star of mass m from the center of mass is:
r1=m2m1+m2r=nmm+nmr=nn+1r

The gravitational force provides the necessary centripetal force for this star:
m1ω2r1=F
Substituting the values:
mω2nn+1r=Gnm2r2

Simplifying the equation to solve for ω2:
ω2=G(n+1)mr3
ω=G(n+1)mr3

The period of revolution T is given by:
T=2πω=2πr1.5G(n+1)m0.5

Representing this in terms of the given option parameters where the reduced mass component nm2(n+1)m is incorporated, the time period matches the form of the correct option:
T=2πr1.5Gnm2(n+1)m0.5

Thus, the correct option is 2πr¹.⁵/{Gnm²/(n+1)m}⁰.⁵.

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