Physics Technology Update (4th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0-32190-308-0
ISBN 13: 978-0-32190-308-2

Chapter 12 - Gravity - Conceptual Questions - Page 408: 7

Answer

Please see the work below.

Work Step by Step

The mass of the planet Pluto can be calculated using Kepler's third law: $T=\frac{2\pi}{\sqrt{GM}}r^{\frac{3}{2}}$ where $G=6.67\times 10^{-11}N.m^2/Kg^2$. Thus, knowing the approximate value of $r$, we measure the time period of orbit of Charon and in this way $M$ (the mass of Pluto) can be calculated.
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.