Problem 12.3: Determine the mass of the orbiting planets

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Two planets orbit a star (red), whose mass is M = 7 x 1025 kg as shown in the animation (position is given in 106 km and time is given in Earth years). Restart.

  1. What is the net force on the central star? Write an expression, not a numerical answer.
  2. What is the net force on each planet? Write an expression, not a numerical answer.
  3. Determine the mass of the orbiting planets.

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