Problem set 3 for ASTR 202: Stars, Galaxies and the Universe

Due in class, Thurs Sept 14

Textbook Chapter 4:

Discussion question 62. Write about 2 paragraphs.

Textbook Chapter 5:

"Test Your Understanding" problems 20, 21, 25, 27, 28

"Short answer" questions 42, 43, 46

"Discussion questions" problems 60, 61 (write about 2 paragraphs for each)

Problem for extra credit: (you can do this as pairs)
Section 4.1 of the textbook discusses the difference between mass and weight, and Figure 4.3 describles an experiment where you take a bathroom scale into an elevator and read it with the elevator stationary, accelerating and decelerating. Find an elevator in the highest building you can locate, and ride up and down a few times standing on the bathroom scale. How much can you make your weight change as the elevator accelerates and decelerates? Write down your measurements, and do them more than once to get a handle on your measurement error.