To determine the sum of the masses of a visual binary star system,we need to measure for the system the
A) temperatures and periods of the stars.
B) distance from us and the semimajor axis of the orbit of one star relative to the other.
C) period and the semimajor axis.
D) temperatures and the distance from us.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The sum of the masses of a visual binary star system can be determined by measuring the period of the system's orbit and the semimajor axis of the orbit of one star relative to the other. This is because the period of the orbit and the size of the orbit (as given by the semimajor axis) are directly related to the total mass of the system through Kepler's third law of planetary motion, when modified for binary star systems.

To Determine the Sum of the Masses of a Visual