I need to calculate the average value of the centripetal force exerted by a star

Question

I need to calculate the average value of the centripetal force exerted by a star (call it S1) on a planet (call it P1). I know the following from previous questions:

- P1's mass is 2x10^26 kg.
- Average orbital radius of P1 is = 1x10^8 m.
- Average orbital velocity of P1 is = 28.17658 m/s.
- P1's average centripetal acceleration is 7.939196605x10^-6 m/s^2.
- P1's period is .707106 years (or 22,299,319.45149 s).
- P2, another planet orbiting the star has a radius of 2x10^8 m & a period of 2 earth years (730 days).

How can I calculate the average centripetal force without knowing the sun's mass?.. Can I just use the same equation I would use if I DID know it and instead plug in P1's mass?

Explanation / Answer

Since gravitational force provides the centripetal force necessary for orbital motion of planet, hence these two are equal in magnitude.

Gravitational force Fg = 1.58784 x 1021 N

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