Chemistry
What is hydrazine?
A chemical fuel used in rocket engines.
What is the definition of a rocket engine?
A device that produces thrust by expelling mass at high speed.
What is necessary for any plant to grow, like potatoes?
Soil, water, nutrients, air, and light.
Why was there a 32-minute delay in communication with Mars?
Because of the distance light takes to travel between Earth and Mars.
Why is Mars red? What is in the soil?
Iron oxide (rust) makes it red.
What did Watney use as a “pilot light” to start the fire?
Splinters of Martinez’s wooden cross, ignited with a spark in pure oxygen.
Why does radiation produce heat?
Because radioactive decay releases energy as heat.
How did Watney fertilize Martian soil for crops?
By using crew’s stored waste as fertilizer.
What system did Watney use to send messages to NASA?
Pathfinder and its camera.
What are Martian dust storms made of?
Fine dust and sand particles lifted by wind.
Why did the reaction explode?
Because hydrogen mixed with oxygen too quickly and combusted violently.
Why did breaking the Hab’s seal cause an explosion?
Because pressure difference caused sudden air release and ignition.
What is the main challenge of growing food on Mars?
Lack of organic nutrients and liquid water.
How else could information have been coded?
With binary signals, symbols, or physical markers.
Why is atmospheric pressure dangerous for humans?
Too thin to breathe and causes decompression.
Write the equation for producing water from hydrogen and oxygen.
2H₂ + O₂ → 2H₂O.
Why is Mars hot in the day but cold at night?
Thin atmosphere cannot retain heat.
Why was it psychologically correct not to inform the crew immediately?
To avoid stress and distraction during their return mission.
What was the main limitation of Pathfinder?
Very slow and limited communication speed.
What makes Mars’ atmosphere different from Earth’s?
Mostly carbon dioxide, very thin.
From what substances can explosives be made?
From a fuel and an oxidizer (e.g., hydrazine, ammonium nitrate, etc.).
What is Mars’ gravity compared to Earth?
About 38% of Earth’s gravity.
How did Watney cope with isolation?
By setting goals, keeping logs, and using humor.
Why was improvising communication critical?
It was the only way to coordinate survival and rescue.
How do temperature extremes affect survival?
They require heating systems, insulation, and energy management.