How do two unequal mass stars move around each other in a binary system?
A) In a common elliptical orbit,always remaining diametrically opposite to each other through one of the foci of the ellipse
B) In straight lines,back and forth past each other
C) In elliptical orbits,about a common "center of mass"
D) The low-mass star moves in a circular orbit around the stationary high-mass star.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In a binary system with two unequal mass stars, the stars move around a common "center of mass" in elliptical orbits. The center of mass is located closer to the more massive star, and the orbits of the stars are determined by their masses and distance from each other. The stars do not remain diametrically opposite to each other, as in a common elliptical orbit, nor do they move in straight lines back and forth past each other. The low-mass star does not move in a circular orbit around the high-mass star.

How Do Two Unequal Mass Stars Move Around Each Other