def component_masses_to_total_mass(mass_1, mass_2):
    """
    Convert the component masses of a binary to its total mass.

    Parameters
    ----------
    mass_1: float
        Mass of the heavier object
    mass_2: float
        Mass of the lighter object

    Return
    ------
    total_mass: float
        Total mass of the binary
    """
    return mass_1 + mass_2
