Two stars each of mass M and radius R are approaching each other for a head-on collision. They start approaching each other when their separation is r > > R. If their speeds at this separation are negligible, the speed v with which they collide would be
Text Solution
Verified by ExpertsB
(b ) since the speeds of the stars are negligible when they are at a distance r, hence the initial kinetic
energy of system is zero. Therefore, the initial total energy of the system is
Where M represent the mass of each star and r is initial separation between them.
When two stars collide their centers will be at a distance twice the radius of a star i.e, 2R.
Let v be the speed with which two stars collide. Then total energy of the system at the instant of their
collision is given by
According to law of conservations of mechanical energy
Or 
Prepare Smarter with CGP Edu
Get practice questions, solutions, and test series in one place.
Write a Review
Share your experience with this question and solution.
Commentary
Send your comment, doubt, correction, or feedback to admin.
Similar Questions
Explore conceptually related problems