Calculate the effective inertial mass of two bodies in a two-body system.
Body Masses
Reduced Mass
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About this calculator
Quick Reference
μReduced Mass
m1Mass of body 1
m2Mass of body 2
Overview
In physics, the reduced mass is the 'effective' inertial mass appearing in the two-body problem. It allows the two-body problem to be solved as if it were a one-body problem.
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Pro Tips
Formula: μ = (m1 * m2) / (m1 + m2)
The reduced mass is always less than or equal to the mass of each body.
If one body is much heavier than the other (m1 >> m2), the reduced mass is approximately equal to the lighter body (m2).
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Fun Facts
"In the Hydrogen atom, the reduced mass of the electron-proton system is slightly less than the electron's mass, correcting the Rydberg constant."
"The concept is essential in quantum mechanics for describing vibrations of diatomic molecules."
"For Positronium (electron + positron), the reduced mass is exactly half the mass of an electron."
