An astronaut travels to the Moon, where the magnitude of the force of gravity is one-sixth the magnitude of the force of gravity on Earth. On the Moon, which of the following is true?
- A. The astronaut's mass is one-sixth of his mass on Earth.
- B. The astronaut's weight is one-sixth of his weight on Earth.
- C. The astronaut's mass is six times his mass on Earth.
- D. The astronaut's weight is six times his weight on Earth.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
An astronaut's mass remains constant regardless of location; therefore, option A is incorrect as mass on the Moon is the same as on Earth. Option C is also incorrect because mass does not change based on gravitational force. Option D misrepresents weight; weight is dependent on gravity, and since the Moon's gravity is one-sixth that of Earth's, the astronaut's weight is one-sixth, not six times. Thus, option B accurately reflects that the astronaut's weight on the Moon is one-sixth of his weight on Earth, aligning with the relationship between weight and gravitational force.
An astronaut's mass remains constant regardless of location; therefore, option A is incorrect as mass on the Moon is the same as on Earth. Option C is also incorrect because mass does not change based on gravitational force. Option D misrepresents weight; weight is dependent on gravity, and since the Moon's gravity is one-sixth that of Earth's, the astronaut's weight is one-sixth, not six times. Thus, option B accurately reflects that the astronaut's weight on the Moon is one-sixth of his weight on Earth, aligning with the relationship between weight and gravitational force.
Other Related Questions
An object is lifted above the floor to a height X, as illustrated, and then released. Which of the following best describes the object's energy?
- A. At height X, the energy is kinetic and changes to potential as the object falls.
- B. At height X, the energy is potential and changes to kinetic as the object falls.
- C. At height X, the energy is zero and the object gains both kinetic and potential energy as it falls.
- D. At height X, the energy is potential and the object gains kinetic energy as it falls, while its potential energy decreases.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
At height X, the object possesses gravitational potential energy due to its elevated position. As it falls, this potential energy is converted into kinetic energy, which increases as the object accelerates toward the ground. Option A is incorrect because at height X, the energy is primarily potential, not kinetic. Option C misrepresents the energy state; the energy is not zero at height X. Option D partially describes the process but does not clarify that the potential energy is transformed into kinetic energy, which is essential to understanding energy conservation during the fall.
At height X, the object possesses gravitational potential energy due to its elevated position. As it falls, this potential energy is converted into kinetic energy, which increases as the object accelerates toward the ground. Option A is incorrect because at height X, the energy is primarily potential, not kinetic. Option C misrepresents the energy state; the energy is not zero at height X. Option D partially describes the process but does not clarify that the potential energy is transformed into kinetic energy, which is essential to understanding energy conservation during the fall.
On the periodic table, elements in the same row are characterized by:
- A. an increasing number of neutrons from left to right.
- B. a decreasing number of neutrons from left to right.
- C. an increasing number of protons from left to right.
- D. a decreasing number of protons from left to right.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
Elements in the same row, or period, of the periodic table are arranged by increasing atomic number, which corresponds to the number of protons. Therefore, as you move from left to right across a row, the number of protons increases. Option A is incorrect because the number of neutrons does not consistently increase across a row; it varies based on the specific isotopes of each element. Option B is also incorrect for the same reason, as neutrons can vary independently of proton count. Option D is incorrect since it suggests a decrease in protons, which contradicts the fundamental organization of the periodic table.
Elements in the same row, or period, of the periodic table are arranged by increasing atomic number, which corresponds to the number of protons. Therefore, as you move from left to right across a row, the number of protons increases. Option A is incorrect because the number of neutrons does not consistently increase across a row; it varies based on the specific isotopes of each element. Option B is also incorrect for the same reason, as neutrons can vary independently of proton count. Option D is incorrect since it suggests a decrease in protons, which contradicts the fundamental organization of the periodic table.
Of the following, which has Earth completed when it makes one revolution around the Sun?
- A. One Earth year
- B. One Earth day
- C. One light year
- D. One lunar month
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A
When Earth completes one revolution around the Sun, it takes approximately 365.25 days, which defines one Earth year. Option B, one Earth day, represents the time it takes for Earth to rotate on its axis, not its orbit around the Sun. Option C, one light year, is a measure of distance that light travels in one year, not a measure of time related to Earth's orbit. Option D, one lunar month, refers to the time it takes for the Moon to orbit Earth, which is about 29.5 days, and is unrelated to Earth's revolution around the Sun.
When Earth completes one revolution around the Sun, it takes approximately 365.25 days, which defines one Earth year. Option B, one Earth day, represents the time it takes for Earth to rotate on its axis, not its orbit around the Sun. Option C, one light year, is a measure of distance that light travels in one year, not a measure of time related to Earth's orbit. Option D, one lunar month, refers to the time it takes for the Moon to orbit Earth, which is about 29.5 days, and is unrelated to Earth's revolution around the Sun.
Which of the following best explains why an ice skater is able to coast on ice for a long distance without pushing off in a straight line across the ice?
- A. The force of friction on the blades of the skates is greater than the force of friction on the ice.
- B. The force of friction on the blades of the skates is less than the force of friction on the ice.
- C. The ice exerts a constant forward force on the skater.
- D. The buoyant force on the blades of the skates is greater than the weight of the skater.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
An ice skater can glide smoothly due to the minimal friction between the skate blades and the ice, which is significantly lower than the friction experienced on other surfaces. This reduced friction allows the skater to maintain momentum over longer distances without needing to push off. Option A is incorrect because it suggests greater friction on the blades, which would hinder movement. Option C is misleading, as the ice does not exert a forward force; instead, the skater continues moving due to existing momentum. Option D is also wrong; while buoyancy affects weight in water, it does not apply to ice skating, where weight and friction are the primary factors.
An ice skater can glide smoothly due to the minimal friction between the skate blades and the ice, which is significantly lower than the friction experienced on other surfaces. This reduced friction allows the skater to maintain momentum over longer distances without needing to push off. Option A is incorrect because it suggests greater friction on the blades, which would hinder movement. Option C is misleading, as the ice does not exert a forward force; instead, the skater continues moving due to existing momentum. Option D is also wrong; while buoyancy affects weight in water, it does not apply to ice skating, where weight and friction are the primary factors.