Question 1: Define a free body diagram and explain its purpose in analysing forces acting on a spacecraft.

Answer: A free body diagram is a visual representation showing all the forces acting on an object, used to analyse the effects of these forces and apply Newton's laws.

Question 2: List three forces that act on an astronaut inside a spacecraft orbiting Earth.

Answer: Gravitational force, normal force from the spacecraft surface, and any applied forces such as thrusters or accelerations.

Question 1: A spacecraft with mass 1500 kg is in orbit around Earth. Calculate the gravitational force acting on it when at an altitude where gravity is 9.5 N/kg. Use the formula F = m × g.

Answer: F = 1500 kg × 9.5 N/kg = 14250 N

Question 2: An astronaut exerts a force of 200 N to manoeuvre inside a spacecraft. If the astronauts' mass is 80 kg, what is the acceleration produced according to Newton's second law? Show your working.

Answer: a = F / m = 200 N / 80 kg = 2.5 m/s²

Question 1: Describe a simple experiment to demonstrate how forces act on a model spacecraft in a simulated space environment, including variables to control and safety precautions.

Answer: A possible experiment involves attaching a small spacecraft model to a force sensor inside a vacuum chamber to simulate space. Variables to control include mass, force applied, and environmental conditions. Safety precautions include ensuring electrical connections are insulated and the chamber is properly sealed to prevent accidents.

Question 2: Identify two challenges faced in applying free body diagrams to real space missions and suggest solutions.

Answer: Challenges include accurately measuring forces in microgravity environments and representing complex multi-force interactions. Solutions involve using precise sensors and advanced computer modelling to simulate forces.

Question 1: A satellite experiences a net upward force of 500 N while in orbit. Its mass is 2000 kg. What is its acceleration? Explain how this force affects its motion.

Answer: Acceleration a = F / m = 500 N / 2000 kg = 0.25 m/s². The net upward force causes the satellite to accelerate upwards, slightly altering its orbital path.

Question 2: An astronaut reports feeling a force of 30 N in the downward direction inside a spacecraft with mass 70 kg. What does this imply about the forces acting on the astronaut? Provide a brief explanation.

Answer: It suggests that the net force acting downward, possibly due to acceleration or gravity, is causing the astronaut to feel a downward pull, indicating a non-zero net force in that direction.

Question 1: Explain how free body diagrams can be used to determine the thrust required for a spacecraft to change its orbit. Include the key forces involved.

Answer: Free body diagrams help visualise all forces acting on the spacecraft, such as gravitational force, thrust from engines, and drag. By analysing these forces, engineers can calculate the net force and determine the thrust needed to alter the orbit according to Newton's second law.

Question 2: In the context of space exploration, discuss the importance of understanding forces acting on astronauts during spacewalks. How do free body diagrams assist in ensuring safety?

Answer: Understanding forces helps in predicting and controlling the movement of astronauts during spacewalks, preventing uncontrolled drift or injury. Free body diagrams allow mission planners to identify all forces, such as microgravity effects, thruster forces, and tether tensions, ensuring proper safety protocols and control strategies are implemented.