Ionic Propulsion

The basic principle of ion thrusters is . . .

• propulsion by shooting out electrons from a cathode

• use electrons to propel neutral atoms backwards in a stream

• knock electrons off atoms to make +ve ions & propel them with an electric field

The most commonly used propellant for ion thrusters in spacecraft is . . .

• methane

• xenon

• hydrogen

• nitrogen

Ionic propulsion is useful for spacecraft because . . .

• it provides high thrust and high acceleration

• it is extremely fuel efficient

Xenon is the propellant of choice for ionic propulsion spacecraft. Which of these is NOT true of xenon?

• - the atoms are relatively heavy so they provide a relatively large thrust

• - it is easily stored in a compact form

• - it combines readily with oxygen

At room temperature, Xenon is a . . .

• solid

• liquid

• gas

Xenon has _ protons.

A Xenon atom has _ electron shells.

By contrast with Xenon, another inert gas, Nitrogen, has only _ protons.

Nitrogen is the propellant used in ionic propulsion airplanes (rather than spacecraft), because . . .

• - it is abundant in air, so the plane doesn't have to carry propellant

• - its lower atomic weight means less weight for the plane to carry

THinking now about ionic propulsion for planes (not spacecraft), which of these is NOT a benefit of ionic thrusters for planes and drones?

• - the plane or drone can be powered by solar energy

• - no moving parts, so less wear

• - no turbine or propellor creating noise