Question

The surface of Mars can reach a temperature of about 20°C during the day near the equator. However, it can drop to about −73°C at night. Scientific equipment that is sent to Mars must be protected from these extreme temperature changes in order to function properly. A team of scientists wants to design a container that will insulate the equipment sent to Mars to protect it from these temperature changes. Which of the following would be a reasonable criterion for successful development of the container? A. The temperature of the inside of the container should reach −73°C at night. B. The temperature of the contents should not change by more than 1°C every 10 minutes. C. The container should convert electrical energy to thermal energy. D. Heat should be able to travel easily into and out of the container.

Answer 1

Answer: B. The temperature of the contents should not change by more than 1°C every 10 minutes.

Explanation: The best criterion for successful development of the container that will insulate the equipment sent to Mars to protect it from extreme temperature changes would be:B. The temperature of the contents should not change by more than 1°C every 10 minutes.This criterion is important because the equipment needs to stay at a constant temperature in order to function properly. If the container can maintain the temperature of the contents within a narrow range over a set period of time, then it can be considered successful in insulating the equipment from the extreme temperature changes on Mars.Option A, saying that the temperature inside the container should reach -73°C at night, is not a reasonable criterion because this would mean that the equipment would be exposed to the same extreme temperature changes as the surface of Mars.Option C, saying that the container should convert electrical energy to thermal energy, is not a criterion related to insulation from extreme temperature changes.Option D, saying that heat should be able to travel easily into and out of the container, is also not a reasonable criterion because it would not provide adequate insulation for the equipment.Therefore, the best criterion for successful development of the container is: The temperature of the contents should not change by more than 1°C every 10 minutes.