Space Flashcards
For projectile motion, what is the only equation you should use for the vertical part of the motion?
For the vertical part of the motion, the only equation which should be used is
What is the difference between mass and weight?
Mass is a measure of the amount of ‘stuff’ that makes up an object.
Weight is the force due to gravity acting on an object.
By referring to the horizontal and vertical parts of its motion, explain the curved path of a projectile.
A projectile has
constant horizontal velocity and
constant vertical acceleration.
What is meant by terminal velocity?
When a falling object (e.g. a skydiver) accelerates, the air resistance acting against the object increases, until it is balanced with the object’s weight. When the forces are balanced, it will travel at a constant speed (called ‘terminal velocity’).
What does the prefix M stand for?
M stands for mega
mega = x 106
What is a star?
A star is a sphere of plasma that emits heat and light.
What is the relationship between the altitude of a satellite (height above the Earth) and its period (time taken to complete one orbit of the Earth)?
The higher the altitude, the longer the period of the satellite.
What are the different types of wave detected by space telescopes?
As well as visible light, space telescopes detect infrared (IR), ultraviolet (UV), X-rays and gamma rays.
What is a moon?
A moon is a natural satellite of a planet.
What does the prefix G stand for?
G stands for giga
giga = x 109
What is a dwarf planet?
A dwarf planet is an object which orbits the Sun but, due its small mass, whose orbit is not uniform enough to be classed as a planet.
What is the unit for weight?
The unit for weight is
newtons (N)
What is a galaxy?
A galaxy is a group of stars, gases and dust held together by gravity.
Is the mass of an object constant at all points in the universe?
Yes. The mass of an object does not change, regardless of the force of gravity.
1kg on Earth would be 1kg on the Moon, 1kg in outer space, and so on.
Describe to calculate one light-year in metres.
Use the formula d = v x t :
- v = 3 x 108 ms-1 (speed of light)
- t = 1 year (convert into seconds: 365.25 x 24 x 60 x 60)
- Calculate d
Explain the orbit of a satellite in terms of projectile motion.
A satellite is like a projectile: it is travelling ‘forwards’ (horizontally) with a constant velocity, but also accelerating ‘downwards’ (vertically).
Is the weight of an object constant at all points in the universe?
No - the weight of an object depends on its mass and the gravitational field strength. Therefore, the weight of an object can vary at different points in the universe.