Question 1: Explain what distinguishes a dwarf planet from a regular planet in the Solar System.

Answer: A dwarf planet is a celestial body that orbits the Sun, has sufficient mass to assume a nearly round shape, but has not cleared its orbital path of other debris, unlike a regular planet.

Question 1: List three dwarf planets found in our Solar System.

Answer: Pluto, Eris, Haumea

Question 2: Describe the main characteristic that a celestial body must have to be classified as a dwarf planet.

Answer: It must orbit the Sun, be nearly round in shape, but have not cleared its orbital neighborhood of other debris.

Question 1: Calculate the orbital period (in years) of a dwarf planet orbiting at an average distance of 39.5 astronomical units (AU) from the Sun, assuming Earth's orbital period is 1 year and using Kepler's Third Law: T² ∝ r³. Show your calculation.

Answer: T = √(r³) = √(39.5³) ≈ √(61,823.88) ≈ 248.65 years

Question 2: Using Newton's law of universal gravitation, calculate the gravitational force between the Sun and Pluto, given: mass of Sun = 1.989 x 10^30 kg, mass of Pluto = 1.31 x 10^22 kg, distance = 5.9 x 10^12 meters. Use the formula F = G*(m1*m2)/r², where G = 6.674 x 10^-11 N·m²/kg².

Answer: F = (6.674 x 10^-11) * (1.989 x 10^30) * (1.31 x 10^22) / (5.9 x 10^12)² ≈ 1.46 x 10^22 N

Question 1: Design a basic experiment to determine the density of a dwarf planet. List the variables involved, materials needed, and safety precautions.

Answer: Variables: mass and volume of the dwarf planet. Materials: spacecraft instruments for mass and volume measurement, data recording devices. Procedure: Measure the mass using gravitational effects or onboard sensors, determine volume via analysis of surface and shape. Safety precautions include ensuring spacecraft stability and calibration of instruments to avoid measurement errors.

Question 1: A dwarf planet has an orbital radius of 50 AU with an orbital period of approximately 353 years. Does this data conform to Kepler's Third Law? Explain briefly.

Answer: Yes, because according to Kepler's Law, T² should be proportional to r³. Calculating T² = (353)² ≈ 124,609 and r³ = 50³ = 125,000, which are very close, indicating conformity.

Question 1: Explain how the gravitational interactions of dwarf planets can influence other objects in the Kuiper Belt. Include the importance of understanding these interactions in space exploration.

Answer: Dwarf planets exert gravitational forces that can alter the orbits of nearby objects in the Kuiper Belt, causing some to shift or be ejected from their original paths. Understanding these interactions helps scientists predict the movement of objects, assess potential collision risks, and plan spacecraft trajectories for exploration missions.

Question 1: Discuss how studying dwarf planets contributes to advancements in space technology and our understanding of planetary formation.

Answer: Studying dwarf planets helps scientists understand the processes of planetary formation and evolution, which informs the development of space exploration technology, such as spacecraft design and mission planning, and enhances our knowledge of potential resources in space.