I was just ddoing my homework and I don't really understand the question asked let alone answer it. The question is:
"Why is the best shape of the spacecraft for heat energy manegment a sphere?"
Can anyone tell me what it's asking?
Thanks
2007-11-27 06:08:54 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
The reason is that a sphere has the lowest surface area to volume ratio of any shape...Heat loss is through the surface.
2007-11-27 06:18:04 · answer #1 · answered by feanor 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Of all the solids having a given volume, the sphere is the one with the smallest surface area; of all solids having a given surface area, the sphere is the one having the greatest volume.
A small surface area for it's volume, means that heat is harder to absorb or radiate from the sphere.
2007-11-27 14:19:58 · answer #2 · answered by DanE 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Aerodynamically, a sphere would have the least drag and therefore produce the least heat during reentry into our atmosphere or just moving through space.
2007-11-27 14:15:44 · answer #3 · answered by Neil 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋