Science Paradigm for Astro Particle Physics Discussion Paper

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ivwnlcenani298

Science

Question Description

I'm working on a physics writing question and need guidance to help me learn.

On the International Space Station, sensors have identified an interstellar gas cloud approaching the station. It seems to have temperatures in the millions of degrees K. The gas cloud has a very low density. Are you concerned about the heat from this cloud? Is it time to abandon the station? Discuss your answer, focusing on the difference between temperature and heat.


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Explanation & Answer

View attached explanation and answer. Let me know if you have any questions.

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There are two factors that will determine the amount of heat delivered to the space station
and they include the temperature of the gas as well as the density of the particles in the gas. In
any case, if the interstellar gas cloud approaching the space station has very high temperature but
very low density, then there will be no need to worry. To further understand the concept,
consider a particle such as proton having a temperature of 20 million kelvin:
The particle’s kinetic energy can be computed by using the formula KE= (3/2).k.T
In this case, k= 1.38 × 10-23 J/K and the particle’s temperature T is 2.0*10^7K.
The values are then substituted in the kinetic energy equation which gives;
KE=(3/2)*1.38*10^-23*2.0*10^7= 4.14*10^-16J
If on a given day there are 1 million such particles making contact with the space station,
then the total heat received by the station will be calculated by Q=KE*10^6
By substitution, the value of Q= 4.14*10^-16*10^6= 4.14*10^-10J
Given that the station’s specific heat capacity c=1000J/kg and the space station weigh
1000kg, the temperature rise can be computed as;
dT = Q/(c x m) where c is specific heat and m is mass
Substituting the values of Q, c and m;
dT=4.14*10^-10/(1000*1000)=4.14*10^-16 K
As such, the change in temperature is so insignificant that it is impossible to feel it.
Therefore, there is no need for the crew to worry unless the density of the particles is high
enough to deliver a lot of heat to the space station (Humi, 2020). Consequently, there would

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be no harm caused to the station if the particles from the interstellar gas cloud have a low
density.

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Reference

Humi, M. (2020). On the evolution of a primordial interstellar gas cloud. Journal of
Mathematical Physics, 61(9), 23–35. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.5144917

View attached explanation and answer. Let me know if you have any questions.

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There are two factors that will determine the amount of heat delivere...

wzatvg (1141)
Cornell University

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