Question

An astronaut is working outside the International Space Station where the atmospheric pressure is essentially zero. The pressure gauge on her air tank reads 3,734,957 Pa. What force does the air inside the tank exert on the flat end of the cylindrical tank, a disk 128 mm in diameter?

a) 3,734,957 N
b) 3,734,957 Pa
c) 1,197.9 N
d) 1.1979 Pa

Answer 1

In the vacuum of space, an astronaut's air tank exerts a force of approximately 48,121 N on the flat end of the cylindrical tank. This force, derived from the pressure reading of 3,734,957 Pa and the disk diameter, showcases the significance of self-contained life-support systems during extravehicular activities in space.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the vacuum of space outside the International Space Station, an astronaut's air tank exerts force on the flat end of the cylindrical tank. With a pressure reading of 3,734,957 Pa and a disk diameter of 128 mm, the force exerted is approximately 48,121 N. This force arises from the product of pressure and the surface area of the disk. The absence of atmospheric pressure outside the ISS emphasizes the reliance on the astronaut's self-contained environment, where the air tank ensures a vital supply of breathable air. The calculation of force provides a quantitative understanding of the pressure dynamics influencing equipment and safety during extravehicular activities in space.