Space Exploration Flashcards
(19 cards)
Wavelength
The distance between two adjacent crests or troughs of a wave.
Electromagnetic Spectrum
All the wavelengths and frequencies of electromagnetic radiation.
Radiation
Energy traveling as electromagnetic waves.
Spectrum
A continuous range of a single feature, such as wavelength.
Radio Waves
The form of electromagnetic radiation with the longest wavelength and lowest frequency: used by radios and televisions.
Microwaves
Electromagnetic waves with shorter wavelengths and higher frequencies than radio waves: often used to heat food.
Infrared Waves
Radiation sometimes called “heat radiation” with wavelengths shorter than microwaves but longer than visible light.
Ultraviolet
Radiation with shorter wavelengths than visible light; can cause materials to fluoresce and can damage living tissue in large amounts.
X-rays
High-energy radiation with shorter wavelengths than ultraviolet; passes through flesh but is absorbed by bone.
Gamma Rays
Radiation with the shortest wavelengths and highest frequencies; very dangerous to living organisms.
Probe
A mobile, uncrewed vehicle used to explore the surface of another planet or space body.
Artificial Satellite
Any human-made object placed in orbit around a body in space, either with or without a crew.
Rockets
Vehicles powered by engines that produce thrust to overcome Earth’s gravity and launch objects into space.
Shuttles
Reusable spacecraft that transport people and corgo to and from orbits close to Earth.
Capsules
Spacecraft designed to carry humans or equipment into soace, typically small and often used for reentry into Earth’s atmosphere.
GPS
A navigation system using satellites to provide location and time information anywhere on or near Earth’s surface.
NASA
National Aeronautics and Space Administration0the U.S. agency responsible for space exploration.
Spinoff
A new technology or product developed for space exploration that is latetr adapted for other uses.
Launch
The act of sending a spacecraft or satellite into space.
