[Physics] Center of Mass of two planets

astronomy

The formula for calculating the center of mass is

$$ r_{center} = \frac{m_1 \cdot r_1 + m_2 \cdot r_2}{m_1+m_2} $$

Why can't I use it to calculate the barycentre of two planets?

I understand how to use ratios to approach this problem.

$$ \frac{r_1}{r_2} = \frac{m_1}{m_2} $$
$$ r_1 = \frac{m_2}{m_1+m_2}\cdot (d_{Sun->Earth}) $$

However, I do not understand why I can not use the $r_{center}$ formula.

Best Answer

You can use the center of mass formula.

Set the origin of your coordinate system at the center of the Earth, then $\vec{r}_1 = \vec{0}$ and $\vec{r}_2 = d$ and $$r_{center} = \frac{m_1r_1+m_2r_2}{m_1+m_2} = \frac{m_2}{m_1+m_2} \cdot d$$ as you have as well.

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