100 Years of Relativity + Challenge Winners!

The video celebrates the 100th anniversary of Einstein's general relativity, explaining its impact on our understanding of the universe. It introduces an asteroid challenge involving the hypothetical scenario of redirecting Apophis using a gravitational tractor. The video details the calculations needed, including Newtonian mechanics and the rocket equation, to determine the mass and fuel requirements for the mission. It concludes with a teaser for future episodes and a break for Thanksgiving.

What significant event related to Einstein's work is celebrated on November 25th, 2015?

• The discovery of black holes

• The presentation of the theory of general relativity

• The first moon landing

• The launch of the first space shuttle

What is the main focus of the upcoming episode on December 9th?

• The life of Albert Einstein

• The weirdness of black holes

• The future of space travel

• The history of space exploration

In the asteroid challenge, what is the primary goal of the spacecraft?

• To push the asteroid away with thrusters

• To land on the asteroid

• To destroy the asteroid

• To pull the asteroid using gravitational attraction

What simplification is made in the Newtonian mechanics calculation for the asteroid challenge?

• Assuming the asteroid is stationary

• Calculating in the frame of reference of Apophis's orbital velocity

• Ignoring the asteroid's mass

• Using a two-dimensional model

What is the average mass needed to achieve the required acceleration for Apophis?

• 3200 metric tons

• 1600 metric tons

• 800 metric tons

• 6400 metric tons

What is the exhaust velocity of the pulsed fusion drive used in the challenge?

• 100 kilometers per second

• 250 kilometers per second

• 427 kilometers per second

• 500 kilometers per second

How much fuel mass is required compared to the spacecraft mass?

• 10%

• 1%

• 5%

• 0.1%