Space Flashcards
(25 cards)
What is an orbit
Circular (or roughly circular) path around a mass
f=?
gravitational forces between masses
M=?
The mass of an object
The larger the radius of an orbit?
The weaker the gravitational force
F=?
Force due to gravity
In an orbit the gravitational force between the masses and the direction of movement of the smaller object are what?
Perpendicular (or roughly perpendicular if the orbit is more elliptical- this happens as you move further out due to the force of gravity being weaker)
F is an example of?
Centripetal force in circular motion
Centripetal means?
center seeking
In an elliptical orbit you are faster when you are?
Closer to the sun (Due to there being more force because of gravity)
What is the gravitational field strength on Earth?
9.81 N/kg
Give the symbol and units for gravitational field strength
g (m/s2)
What is the use of a slingshot orbit?
To send objects into deep space
What unit do we use to measure distance within our solar system?
AU
What does 1 AU represent?
The distance between the Earth and the sun
What is the speed of light?
300 000 000 m/s
What is 1 light year equal to?
The distance travelled by light in 1 year
How far in meters can light travel in a year?
9.4 x 10 to the power of 15m
What are telescopes often used for?
To see other galaxies
What is a galaxy?
A formation of stars and dust held together under he gravity of a supermassive black hole
What is the name of our galaxy?
The Milky Way
When did we think the big bang occurd?
13.7 billion years ago
Why do stars produce light?
Due to nuclear fusion
What occurs in nuclear fusion?
Two hydrogen nuclear fuse together to create a helium nuclei
When do we get rarer elements
From pieces of rock the crash on our planet due to an exploding star millions of light years away.
