Space Flashcards
What is a satellite
A satellite is an object in space that orbits around a larger object.
What are the uses of satellites
Telescopes and detectors for space exploration
Global positioning systems (GPS)
Satellite television, allowing broadcasting to reach homes around the world
Weather forecasting
What is the period of a geostationary satellite
24 hours
What is the altitude of a geostationary satellite
36,000km
What will the effect of a higher altitude have on the period of the satellite
The higher the altitude of a satellite, the longer the period of the satellite, as it will have a further distance to travel within one orbit of the Earth.
Problem 1 of space travel
Sufficient energy is required to power life support system for space travel.
Problem 2 of space travel
Travelling long distances in space is very difficult and requires a very fast speed, while maintaining energy and fuel.
Solution 1 of space travel
Energy can be generated on a spacecraft using solar cells.
Solution 2 to space travel
Energy can be preserved and high velocities can be reached by ‘catapulting’ a space craft utilising the gravity of a large object, such as a moon or asteroid.
Large distances can be travelled using ion drive, where a small unbalanced force over an extended period of time allows a high velocity to be attained.
Risks of space travel
Exposure to radiation.
Re-entry into the atmosphere is very dangerous.
Fuel load on take-off has a risk of ignition and explosion.
Pressure differential between the vacuum of space and the atmospheric pressure maintained in the spacecraft poses a risk to astronauts.
Newtons laws in space
A rocket can launch into space with thanks to Newton’s third law.
“Every action has an equal and opposite reaction.”
When a rocket burns fuel, thrust is generated, propelling the rocket upwards. An equal and opposite push is created by the exhaust gas downwards, allowing the rocket to overcome the force of gravity and to be propelled upward.
What is a light year
A light year is the distance that light travels in a year.
How to calculate a light year
This can be calculated using the given equation.
Calculate 1 year in seconds before trying to determine how long a light year is. (1 year in seconds = 31,536,000s)
A light year is 9.5x10^15m
What is the big bang theory
The Big Bang Theory states that all current and past matter in the Universe came into existence at the same time from a small point of energy that exploded with extreme force.
This occurred around 13.8 Billion years ago.
What is the ‘observable universe’
The furthest point in space that we can ‘see’ or detect
How can the electromagnetic spectrum be used to obtain information about space?
Different objects in space emit different signals that we can detect to get information about the object. Different frequencies require different detectors.
What type of spectrum is this?
(its a full line of rainbow from blue to red)
Continuous spectrum
What type of spectrum is this?
(its a black strip with lines of colour)
Line spectrum
What information can be extracted from the spectral lines from a star?
The elements present in the star
How can you calculate the distance that is one light year?
d = vt
d = 3x108 x (365.25 x 24 x 60 x 60)
d = 9.46x1015 m
What is a sun?
The weight will decrease as there is a lower gravitational field strength on the Moon
What is a planet?
An object that orbits a sun
Has enough mass to be almost round
Is not a moon of another object
Has removed debris from the area round its orbit
What is a dwarf planet?
A dwarf planet orbits a sun
Has enough mass to be almost round
Is not a moon of another planet
HAS NOT removed debris around the area of its orbit
What is a moon?
An object that orbits a planet
What is an asteroid?
A small rocky and airless object that orbits the sun. They are too small to be planets.
What is a solar system?
A system bound by gravity, made up of a sun and the objects that orbit it.
What is a star?
A ball of gas undergoing fusion that gives off heat and light.
What is an exoplanet?
A planet orbiting a sun outside of our solar system.
What is a galaxy?
A gravitationally bound system of stars, stellar remnants, gas, dust and dark matter.
What is meant by the universe?
All of time and space and its contents.
What are the issues with fuel load on take-off?
There is a massive amount of fuel being carried and a huge amount of heat energy is produced. This could lead to an explosion.
How can you work out the resultant force acting on a space rocket at launch?
Resultant force = engine thrust - (weight + frictional forces)
Should the engine force or the resultant force be used when calculating the acceleration of a space rocket on take off?
Resultant force
