Question 1: Define the term 'planet' as used in the context of our Solar System.

Answer: 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, and has cleared its orbit of other debris.

Question 2: Explain how the gravitational force affects the orbit of a planet around the Sun.

Answer: Gravitational force provides the centripetal force necessary for a planet's orbital motion, causing it to follow a curved path around the Sun due to the Sun's gravitational attraction.

Question 1: Calculate the mass of a planet that has an orbital radius of 2.5 × 10^11 meters and an orbital period of 3.2 × 10^7 seconds, using Newton's law of gravitation and Kepler's third law. (G = 6.67 × 10^-11 N·m^2/kg^2)

Answer: Mass of planet = (4π^2 × r^3) / (G × T^2) = approximately 5.97 × 10^24 kg

Question 1: Describe two safety precautions engineers must consider when designing spacecraft to land on planets with harsh surface conditions.

Answer: Engineers must consider thermal protection to withstand extreme temperatures and ensure the spacecraft's structural integrity against high surface pressures or corrosive atmospheres.

Question 2: Identify one engineering challenge related to the gravitational differences on planets and suggest a possible solution.

Answer: Challenge: Difficulty in controlling landing due to varying gravity. Solution: Design adaptable landing gear systems that can adjust to different gravitational forces.

Question 1: A spacecraft observes that a planet’s surface gravity is 9.8 m/s^2. If the planet’s mass is 6 × 10^24 kg and its radius is 6.371 × 10^6 meters, verify the gravitational acceleration using the formula g = GM/r^2.

Answer: g = (6.67 × 10^-11) × (6 × 10^24) / (6.371 × 10^6)^2 ≈ 9.8 m/s^2

Question 1: Discuss how understanding the gravitational forces and planetary properties is essential for designing successful space missions to planets. Include considerations such as landing, navigation, and communication systems. (6 marks)

Answer: Understanding gravitational forces is crucial for calculating launch trajectories, orbit insertions, and landing procedures. Planetary properties like surface gravity influence the design of landing gear and propulsion systems. Accurate knowledge of these factors ensures safe navigation, precise landing, and reliable communication, which are vital for mission success and data collection in space engineering.

Question 1: Explain how the study of planetary physics influences the development of future space exploration technologies, such as habitats or resource extraction on other planets.

Answer: Studying planetary physics helps engineers design habitats that can withstand surface conditions, develop robotic systems for resource extraction, and plan navigation strategies, making exploration more feasible and sustainable.