Space 2 Flashcards
Q. State what happens to the orbital time of a satellite as its altitude/height above the Earth increases.
A. The orbital time increases because it has a larger orbital distance to travel.
Q. Explain the Big Bang theory.
A. All the matter and energy in the universe was in one dense place before the Big Bang expansion.
Q. State the approximate age of the universe.
A. 13.8 billion years old.
Q. State the 4 main challenges of space travel.
A. Using an ion drive for thrust.
Using the catapult method around moons/planets.
Moving with zero-friction.
Using solar panels for energy.
Q. State the 4 main risks of space exploration.
A. Fuel-load on take-off.
Exposure to radiation.
Pressure differentials.
Re-entry into the atmosphere.
Q. List 3 ways electromagnetic radiation can be used in obtaining information about objects in space.
A. X-rays help us detect black holes.
Visible light helps us determine what elements make up stars.
Infrared helps us locate exo-planets.
Q. State the difference between heat and temperature.
A. Heat is a type of energy which causes particles to vibrate.
Temperature is a measure of how much heat energy particles have.
Q. State what specific heat capacity is.
A. The amount of heat energy needed to change the temperature of 1kg of a substance by 10C.
Q. State what is meant by a specific heat capacity of 4180 Jkg-1oC-1 (water’s specific heat capacity).
A. 4180 joules of heat energy is needed to change the temperature of 1kg of water by 10C.
Q. State what is meant by a specific heat capacity of 386 Jkg-1oC-1 (copper’s specific heat capacity).
A. 386 joules of heat energy is needed to change the temperature of 1kg of copper by 10C.
Q. State the equation to use when a substance changes temperature but stays in the same state of matter.
A. Eh = cmΔT
Q. State the equation to use when a substance changes state but stays at the same temperature.
A. Eh = ml
Q. Where can you find specific heat capacity “c” and latent heat “l” when doing heat energy equations?
A. Data sheet
Q. Explain what re-entry is.
A. When a space craft re-enters the atmosphere and experiences air resistance, causing its large kinetic energy to become heat energy.
Q. State what a light year is.
A. The distance light travels in one year.
