Astronomy Olympiad: Questions & Discussion

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on questions from the Astronomy Olympiad, specifically focusing on satellite stability, light behavior with plane mirrors, and the physics of floating objects. The first question addresses the maximum latitude from which a satellite at 36,000 km can be viewed, with calculations suggesting a maximum latitude of 81.1 degrees. The second question explores the arrangements of light reflecting off four plane mirrors, with participants debating the sum of angles of incidence and reflection. The third question involves calculating the ratio of outer to inner radius of a spherical iron shell floating in water, given the density of iron as 7.87 g/cc.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of satellite geostationary orbits
  • Basic principles of optics, specifically reflection and angles
  • Knowledge of buoyancy and density calculations
  • Familiarity with spherical geometry
NEXT STEPS
  • Research geostationary satellites and their orbital mechanics
  • Study the laws of reflection and refraction in optics
  • Explore Archimedes' principle and its applications in buoyancy
  • Investigate spherical shell density calculations and their implications
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Astronomy students, physics enthusiasts, educators preparing for competitive exams, and anyone interested in the principles of optics and buoyancy in physics.

ritwik06
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Recently I gave my Astronomy Olympiad. There were some questions of descriptive type. If you all don't mind I would like to discuss them here. :rolleyes:
 
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russ_watters said:
Shoot...

Here goes the first...
A satellite is 36000 Km away from the equator. What will be the maximum latitude from which the satellite can be viewed.

Well, if it had been a question of geometry, I would have just calculated the angle for cos-1 (6400/42400). My answer would come 81.1...

But what I wrote is about the stability of the satellite. Will the satellite be stable at an altitude of 36000 Kilometres. What do you think??
 
It doesn't matter if it is stable or not - it is at 36000km right now.
 
russ_watters said:
It doesn't matter if it is stable or not - it is at 36000km right now.

OK :D It means I was foolish to prove that the satellite was unstable. anyways, here goes the second question:
Light passes through a box containing an arrangement of 4 plane mirrors. If the box is removed, even then light doesn't change its path. Is there more than 1 arrangments possible? What will be the sum of all the angles of incidence and reflection.
I think that more than 1 arrangement is possible. And the sum should always be a constant. Probably 360 degree. Whadda say? :-p
 
ritwik06 said:
I think that more than 1 arrangement is possible. And the sum should always be a constant. Probably 360 degree.
I agree on the first but disagree with the second. I can make any sum from 180* to 720*.
 
Gokul43201 said:
I agree on the first but disagree with the second. I can make any sum from 180* to 720*.

Oh very well! thanks for that :D The third question.
If a shell of iron just floats inside water. Find the ratio of the outer radius to the inner radius. (Density of iron: 7.87 g/cc)
I have assumed that the shell is spherical. And the the space inside the shell is vacuum. Am I going in the right direction?
 

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