Ion Propulsion

Introduction

You will discover what ion propulsion is and how it is used in space exploration.

Task

Use the following web site to complete your quest:

http://www.qrg.northwestern.edu/projects/vss/docs/propulsion/zoom-solar…

Process

These questions are to be answered. The order in which you answer them is not important. 

  1. What is an atom?
  2. What is an ion?
  3. What is propulsion?
  4. What is ion propulsion?
  5. What are the different types of rocket propulsion?
  6. Why use ion propulsion?
  7. Could ion propulsion move things on earth?
  8. How is force calculated?
  9. How does the Deep Space 1 engine work?
  10. How does a conventional rocket work?
  11. Compare an ion rocket to a normal rocket in terms of mass, force and acceleration.
  12. What is power density?
  13. Why do ion engines work in space?
  14. What is gravity?
  15. What is mass? 
  16. What is inertia?
  17. What is thrust?
  18. What causes an orbit?
  19. Which of Newton's Laws does propulsion demonstrate?
  20. How do things burn?
  21. How does rocket propulsion differ from jet propulsion?
  22. What is an oxidizer?
  23. Why does Deep Space 1 have two types of propulsion?
  24. What is SOLAR electric propulsion?

Evaluation

Answer all in complete sentences by re-stating the question. Use a separate and clean sheet of paper.