How Can You Tell Which Gas Cylinder is Full in Space?

[lab-rat]

What are 5 ways to determine which of 2 identical cylinders is empty and which is full of gas if they are in space?

 

[DaveC426913]

What are 5 ways to determine which of 2 identical cylinders is empty and which is full of gas if they are in space?

What do you think?

We can't give you answers. You know this because you agreed to the rules when you signed up.

So...

 

[lab-rat]

I don't want answers, just to be pointed in the right direction...

I think I found 2 ways.

To apply a force to each cylinder to measure the velocity and find the acceleration. Divide force by acceleration.

Use a small centrifuge and determine rpm and ''radius''. Using a=v2/r, find acceleration. f/a=m

Any other ideas?

 

[lab-rat]

I also found:
If there is another object nearby, the time the cylinders take to orbit that object can be used to determine mass. (Kepler's law of planetary motion)

Use a spring to measure a pulling force on each cylinder and use Newton's second law

 

[rwisz]

1. Weight: One way to determine which cylinder is full and which is empty is to measure their weight. The full cylinder will be heavier due to the gas inside, while the empty one will be lighter. This method can be used if there is access to a scale or if the cylinders can be brought back to a spacecraft or station with a scale.

2. Pressure: Another way to distinguish between a full and empty cylinder is to measure the pressure inside. A full cylinder will have a higher pressure due to the gas inside, while an empty one will have a lower pressure. This method can be used if there is access to a pressure gauge or if the cylinders can be connected to a pressure measurement system.

3. Sound: The sound produced when tapping on the cylinders can also indicate their contents. A full cylinder will produce a dull sound, while an empty one will produce a higher-pitched sound. This method can be used if there is access to the cylinders and the ability to hear the sound in the vacuum of space.

4. Temperature: The temperature of the cylinders can also provide a clue to their contents. A full cylinder will be cooler than an empty one due to the gas inside. This method can be used if there is access to a thermometer or if the cylinders can be touched and compared for temperature differences.

5. Visual inspection: If the cylinders are made of transparent material, a visual inspection can be used to determine their contents. A full cylinder will have a visible gas inside, while an empty one will not. This method can be used if there is access to the cylinders and adequate lighting in the space environment.