Uploaded October 2021 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago

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Easy to follow physics explainer about the Roche radius or Roche limit, and a very simple derivation of the specific case of two white dwarf stars. This example can apply to any two identical objects, since you can cancel out the relative densities. The most important part of solving a physics problem is knowing what you can ignore, since that will save time and help you avoid mistakes.

Astra answers Patron Robert William's question, "What would be the Roche limit of 2 white dwarfs?"

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Sources:
Check out the Derivations on Wikipedia! en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roche_limit

Image Sources:
arstechnica.com/science/2019/05/two-white-dwarfs-collide-may-end-up-as-neutron-star
uncertainquark.medium.com/white-dwarf-stars-their-various-forms-and-value-to-science-ec505c3c255c
arstechnica.com/science/2019/05/two-white-dwarfs-collide-may-end-up-as-neutron-star