Planetary Sciences

Question 1

Angular Momentum (L)

Answer 1

The quantity of rotational motion an object possesses. It depends on how much mass is distributed around an axis of rotation (moment of inertia) and how fast it is rotating (angular velocity).

Question 2

Moment of Inertia (I)

Answer 2

Measure of an object’s resistance to changes in its rotation speed. The distribution of mass relative to the axis of rotation affects the moment of inertia.

Question 3

Angular Velocity (w)

Answer 3

The rate at which an object rotates around its axis. Measured in radius per unit of time.

Question 4

Arc

Answer 4

Segment of a curve, typically part of a circle. It is connected by a set of points on a circle’s circumference.

Defined by 2 points on the circle, endpoints of the arc and all the points on the circle’s circumference that lie between these endpoints.

Question 5

Prime Meridian

Answer 5

N. A planet’s zero of longitude, which my convention passes through Greenwich, England.

Question 6

Lunar Day

Answer 6

The interval of time between two successive crossings of the meridian by the moon (approx. 24hr 50 min)

Question 7

Diurnal Tide Cycle

Answer 7

An area that experiences one high and one low tide of equal size every lunar day.

Question 8

Semidiurnal Tide Cycle

Answer 8

An area that experience two high tides and two low tides of equal size every lunar day.

Question 9

Mixed Semi- Diurnal tide cycle

Answer 9

Area experiencing two high and two low tides of varying sizes every lunar day.