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elsternj
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Homework Statement
Pluto's diameter is approximately 2370km , and the diameter of its satellite Charon is 1250km . Although the distance varies, they are often about 1.93×104km apart, center-to-center.
Assuming that both Pluto and Charon have the same composition and hence the same average density, find the location of the center of mass of this system relative to the center of Pluto.
Homework Equations
xcm=m1x1+m2x2 / m1 + m2
The Attempt at a Solution
Well the center of Pluto and its satellite would be half the diameter so it's center of mass, I am assuming, would be
Pluto: 1185km
Charon: 625km
where i am confused is that i don't have the masses or any actual coordinates. I'm assuming that the masses would end up canceling out? But can somebody guide me as to where to go from here? How do I get the coordinates with the distance they are from each other? Is my equation even right?