IB MYP 4-5 Physics- Satellites, space probes, and telescopes- Study Notes - New Syllabus
IB MYP 4-5 Physics-Satellites, space probes, and telescopes- Study Notes
Key Concepts
- Satellites, space probes, and telescopes
Satellites, Space Probes, and Telescopes
Satellites, Space Probes, and Telescopes
Satellites
Satellites are objects in orbit around a planet or other celestial body.
- Can be natural (e.g., the Moon) or artificial (man-made).
- Artificial satellites are launched into orbit using rockets.
Types of satellites:
- Communication satellites – transmit TV, radio, and internet signals globally.
- Weather satellites – monitor cloud cover, storms, and climate patterns.
- Navigation satellites – GPS systems for tracking positions on Earth.
- Scientific satellites – used for research, Earth observation, and astronomy.
- Military satellites – used for defense and surveillance.
Orbit types:
- Low Earth Orbit (LEO) – close to Earth, used for imaging and communication (e.g., ISS).
- Geostationary Orbit (GEO) – remains fixed above one point on Earth, used for communications and weather monitoring.
Space Probes
- Unmanned spacecraft sent to explore space beyond Earth’s orbit.
- Designed to travel long distances and study planets, asteroids, and comets.
- Carry instruments to measure magnetic fields, radiation, atmospheres, and surface conditions.
Examples:
- Voyager 1 and 2 – exploring outer planets and interstellar space.
- New Horizons – studied Pluto and Kuiper Belt objects.
- Mars Rovers (e.g., Perseverance, Curiosity) – investigate the Martian surface.
Telescopes
Instruments that collect electromagnetic radiation (light, radio waves, etc.) to observe distant objects.
Types of telescopes:
- Optical telescopes – use lenses or mirrors to focus visible light.
- Radio telescopes – detect radio waves from stars, galaxies, and nebulae.
- Space telescopes – placed outside Earth’s atmosphere for clearer images (e.g., Hubble, James Webb).
- Infrared/X-ray telescopes – detect wavelengths blocked by Earth’s atmosphere.
Importance:
- Help us understand galaxy formation, star life cycles, and exoplanets.
- Avoid atmospheric distortion when placed in space.
Example
GPS satellites are used in navigation systems to help people find directions and track locations on Earth.Discuss About it.
▶️ Answer/Explanation
GPS satellites orbit Earth in medium Earth orbit (MEO).
A receiver (like a phone or car GPS) picks up signals from at least 4 satellites.
By calculating how long the signals take to arrive, the receiver estimates distance from each satellite and determines exact position.
This is an application of satellites for everyday life navigation.
Example
Voyager 1 is a space probe launched in 1977 to study the outer planets and now interstellar space.Discuss About it.
▶️ Answer/Explanation
It visited Jupiter and Saturn, sending back images and data about their moons, rings, and magnetic fields.
Voyager 1 is the farthest human-made object from Earth, still sending signals back.
It carries the “Golden Record,” a message to potential extraterrestrial life, showing science and culture from Earth.
This shows how space probes extend exploration beyond what humans can reach directly.
Example
The Hubble Space Telescope is an optical space telescope launched in 1990 that orbits Earth.Discuss About it.
▶️ Answer/Explanation
Unlike ground telescopes, Hubble avoids atmospheric distortion, giving sharper images.
It has captured deep field images showing thousands of distant galaxies.
It helped scientists measure the expansion rate of the universe and study black holes.
This demonstrates the importance of space telescopes in advancing astronomy.