Laws of Thermodynamics

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary environmental concern that wooden satellites aim to address?

The accumulation of aluminum oxide particles in the atmosphere from metallic satellites. (correct)
Depletion of rare earth minerals used in satellite construction.
The risk of collision with existing space debris due to increased satellite launches.
Energy consumption during satellite operation and data transmission.

Why did researchers expose wood samples to the International Space Station (ISS) prior to the launch of LignoSat?

To test the effectiveness of different wood coatings in protecting against radiation.
To assess the flammability of wood in a zero-gravity environment.
To determine if wood could withstand the harsh conditions of space. (correct)
To measure the rate of wood decomposition in the vacuum of space.

What is the anticipated orbital period for the LignoSat satellite?

Two months
Two years
One year
Six months (correct)

Which property of the selected magnolia wood makes it suitable for use in the LignoSat satellite?

Its proven ability to withstand the stresses of launch and the harsh space environment. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does the use of wood in satellites potentially change the environmental impact at the end of a satellite's life cycle?

By producing biodegradable ash that does not persist in the upper atmosphere. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the long-term vision of the research team behind LignoSat, according to Professor Koiji Murata?

To develop larger, more advanced wooden satellites capable of long-term missions. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which specific challenge does the LignoSat project address regarding the reentry of satellites into Earth's atmosphere?

The formation of alumina particles that could potentially damage the ozone layer. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Beyond reducing space junk, what broader implication could the success of LignoSat have for future space missions?

It could demonstrate the feasibility of using biological materials for constructing habitats on other planets. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What collaborative effort facilitated the initial testing phase of the LignoSat project?

The deployment of a research payload on the International Space Station involving Japanese and Sumitomo Forestry. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What data is the LignoSat designed to collect during its six-month orbit?

Information regarding Earth's atmosphere. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Reason for testing wooden satellites?

To reduce space junk. Current satellites are primarily made of aluminum. Wooden satellites leave behind water and carbon dioxide.

What is LignoSat?

LignoSat is the world's first satellite made mostly from wood, reached the International Space Station (ISS) aboard a SpaceX cargo capsule on November 5, 2024.

What is the mission of LignoSat?

Mission of LignoSat is to determine if wood can withstand the harsh conditions of space. If successful, LignoSat could pave the way for more environmentally friendly spacecraft designs.

The LignoSat Space Wood Project

Researchers began by sending a small panel containing three different wood samples to the ISS in 2022. The panel was exposed to space for ten months before being returned to Earth in early 2023.

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Study Notes

Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics

If two thermodynamic systems are individually in thermal equilibrium with a third system, then they are in thermal equilibrium with each other.

First Law of Thermodynamics

The change in internal energy ($\Delta U$) of a system equals the heat added to the system ($Q$) minus the work done by the system ($W$): $\Delta U = Q - W$.

Second Law of Thermodynamics

The entropy of an isolated system that is not in equilibrium will increase over time.
Entropy approaches a maximum value when the system reaches equilibrium.

Third Law of Thermodynamics

As temperature nears absolute zero, the entropy of a system approaches a minimum or zero value.

Applications of Thermodynamics

Thermodynamic processes
Heat engines
Refrigerators
Heat pumps

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