A binary system exists when objects approach each other in size (and gravitational fields), the common point they rotate around (called the center of mass) lies outside both objects and they orbit around each other. Astronomers have found binary planets, binary stars, and even binary black holes.


The path of a planet around the Sun is due to the gravitational attraction between the Sun and the planet. This is true for the path of the Moon around the Earth, and Titan around Saturn, and the rest of the planets that have an orbiting moon.


Materials


  • Soup cans or plastic containers with holes punched (like plastic yogurt containers, butter tubs, etc.)
  • String
  • Water
  • Sand
  • Rocks
  • Pebbles
  • Baking soda
  • Vinegar
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Comments

4 Responses to “Binary Planetary Systems”

  1. A common misunderstanding! Centrifugal means “center-fleeing”. We talk more about centrifugal in advanced physics.

  2. kelleykim52 says:

    i thought the name of centrifugal but you said centripetal? i loved this experiment though!

  3. The exact length of the string isn’t important. You’ll want to cut your string so you can swing the can in the circle without hitting the ground.

  4. ccfellman says:

    What is your scale of height–string?