You can use Newton's form of Kepler's third law to compute the mass of the sun, using the distance and period of any planet. You can find the formula at:
http://imagine.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/ask_astro/answers/970609f.html
The formula given there uses the velocity of the planet (in m/s), which is the orbit circumference divided by the period.
You should get Msun = abiout 2*10^30 kg
I need some help. I have tried working this problem and can't get it.
What is the mass of the Sun, in kilograms, based on the revolution period and distance from Venus?
1 answer