Question 1: Define a dwarf planet and explain how it differs from a regular planet.

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 regular planets, dwarf planets share their orbital zone with other objects.

Question 2: List two characteristics that are used to classify a celestial body as a dwarf planet.

Answer: It orbits the Sun and has a nearly round shape due to its own gravity, but has not cleared its orbital region of other objects.

Question 3: Explain why Pluto is classified as a dwarf planet rather than a regular 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 in the Kuiper Belt.

Question 1: Calculate the gravitational force between Pluto and its largest moon, Charon, given that the mass of Pluto is 1.31 × 10^22 kg, the mass of Charon is 1.52 × 10^21 kg, and the average distance between them is 1.96 × 10^7 meters. Use Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation: F = G * (m1 * m2) / r^2, where G = 6.674 × 10^-11 N·(m/kg)^2.

Answer: F = 6.674 x 10^-11 * (1.31 x 10^22 * 1.52 x 10^21) / (1.96 x 10^7)^2 ≈ 3.7 N

Question 2: If a dwarf planet has a radius of 600 km and a mass of 9.5 × 10^20 kg, calculate its average density. Use the formula density = mass / volume, and the volume of a sphere = (4/3)πr^3.

Answer: Volume = (4/3)π(600,000)^3 ≈ 9.05 x 10^17 m^3; Density = 9.5 x 10^20 / 9.05 x 10^17 ≈ 1050 kg/m^3

Question 1: Describe a simple method to estimate the mass of a dwarf planet using orbital data of its moons.

Answer: By applying Newton's Law of Gravitation and Kepler's third law, measuring the orbital period and distance of a moon allows calculation of the dwarf planet's mass.

Question 2: Identify two safety precautions to consider when studying celestial bodies or conducting space-related experiments.

Answer: Ensure proper handling of sensitive equipment to prevent damage, and follow safety protocols to avoid exposure to space radiation or hazardous materials.

Question 1: A dwarf planet is found to have a surface temperature of -220°C. Discuss how this temperature affects the physical properties and possible surface composition of the dwarf planet.

Answer: The extremely low temperature suggests the dwarf planet's surface is likely composed of ices such as water, methane, and ammonia. These conditions slow down molecular movement, resulting in a rigid, icy surface. Such low temperatures also mean minimal atmospheric activity, affecting thermal conductivity and potential for volatile compounds to exist in gaseous form.

Question 1: Explain how understanding the physics of dwarf planets can aid in planning future space missions or asteroid mining activities.

Answer: Understanding their mass, composition, and orbit helps in designing spacecraft trajectories, predicting surface conditions, and assessing resource availability, which are essential for safe and efficient exploration or mining operations.