Using the center of mass to investigate extra-solar planets

Today, we will look at how one can use the motion of objects around their center of mass to detect planets around other stars. We'll use tools you've studied in this class:

• gravitational force
• centripetal acceleration
• the center of mass

We'll also have to include one physical phenomenon we haven't studied -- but which you'll see in University Physics II:

• the spectrum of light and Doppler shifts

• The center of mass of our Solar System

Okay, now let's explore other stellar systems.

• The center of mass in an extra-solar system

Copyright © Michael Richmond. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.