Question 1: Define a dwarf planet and list two distinguishing features from regular planets.

Answer: A dwarf planet is a celestial body that orbits the Sun, has sufficient mass for its self-gravity to overcome rigid body forces so that it assumes a hydrostatic equilibrium (nearly round) shape, but has not cleared its orbital neighborhood. Features include a smaller size compared to regular planets and an inability to clear other debris from its orbit.

Question 2: Explain why Pluto is classified as a dwarf planet instead of a planet.

Answer: Pluto is classified as a dwarf planet because it has not cleared its orbit of other debris and shares its orbital zone with other objects of similar size, unlike larger planets.

Question 1: Calculate the orbital speed (v) of a dwarf planet orbiting the Sun at an average distance (r) of 39.5 astronomical units (AU). Use the formula v = √(GM / r), where G = 6.674×10⁻¹¹ N·m²/kg², M = 1.989×10³⁰ kg (mass of the Sun). Express your answer in km/s.

Answer: Approximately 4.74 km/s

Question 2: If a dwarf planet has an orbital radius of 10⁹ meters, what is its orbital period in seconds? Use T = 2πr / v, where v = √(GM / r). Provide the formula and the calculation steps.

Answer: The orbital period T is approximately 1.58×10⁷ seconds.

Question 1: Outline a theoretical experiment to analyze the surface composition of a dwarf planet. Include variables to control, data to collect, and safety precautions for spacecraft operators.

Answer: The experiment involves deploying a spectrometer to analyze reflected sunlight from the dwarf planet's surface. Variables include distance from the surface, instrument calibration, and environmental conditions. Data collected include spectral signatures indicating minerals present. Safety precautions include shielding sensitive instruments from space radiation, ensuring stable spacecraft orientation, and avoiding contamination of samples.

Question 1: A spacecraft detects a dwarf planet with an average surface temperature of -229°C and a density of 1.86 g/cm³. Based on this data, analyze what this suggests about its surface composition and internal structure.

Answer: The low surface temperature indicates a cold, icy surface, likely composed of water ice and other volatiles. The density suggests a mixture of ice and rock, implying a differentiated internal structure with a rocky core and icy crust.

Question 1: Discuss how understanding the orbital characteristics and physical properties of dwarf planets can influence the design of future space missions aimed at exploring these celestial bodies. Include considerations of velocity, surface analysis, and safety.

Answer: Knowledge of dwarf planets' orbital velocities helps in trajectory planning and fuel calculations. Understanding their surface composition informs instrument selection for surface analysis. Recognizing temperature ranges and potential hazards ensures spacecraft safety. Such insights optimize mission efficiency, scientific return, and safety protocols.

Question 1: Describe how advancements in physics and technology driven by dwarf planet research could benefit other industries or everyday life.

Answer: Advances in miniaturized sensors, robotics, and data analysis developed for dwarf planet exploration can improve medical imaging, environmental monitoring, and robotics used in manufacturing, leading to broader technological benefits.