Astronomical observations of our Milky Way galaxy indicate that it has a mass of about 8.0 x 1011 solar masses. A star orbiting near the galaxy's periphery is 6.0 x 10* light-years from its center. (a) What should the orbital period (in y) of that star be? 2.6e+8 y (b) If its period is 5.3 x 10' years instead, what is the mass (in solar masses) of the galaxy? Such calculations are use to imply the existence of other matter, such as a very massive black hole at the center of the Milky Way. solar masses
Gravitational force
In nature, every object is attracted by every other object. This phenomenon is called gravity. The force associated with gravity is called gravitational force. The gravitational force is the weakest force that exists in nature. The gravitational force is always attractive.
Acceleration Due to Gravity
In fundamental physics, gravity or gravitational force is the universal attractive force acting between all the matters that exist or exhibit. It is the weakest known force. Therefore no internal changes in an object occurs due to this force. On the other hand, it has control over the trajectories of bodies in the solar system and in the universe due to its vast scope and universal action. The free fall of objects on Earth and the motions of celestial bodies, according to Newton, are both determined by the same force. It was Newton who put forward that the moon is held by a strong attractive force exerted by the Earth which makes it revolve in a straight line. He was sure that this force is similar to the downward force which Earth exerts on all the objects on it.
Astronomical observations of our Milky Way galaxy indicate that it has a mass of about 8.0 ✕ 1011 solar masses. A star orbiting near the galaxy's periphery is 6.0 ✕ 104 light-years from its center.
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