To determine the correct statements regarding the space probes on the two planets, we need to distinguish between mass and weight:
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Mass: The mass of an object is a measure of the amount of matter it contains and is constant regardless of location. Therefore, the mass of the space probes themselves does not change depending on which planet they are on.
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Weight: Weight is the force experienced by an object due to gravity and is determined by the formula: \[ \text{Weight} = \text{Mass} \times \text{Gravitational Acceleration} \] The gravitational acceleration varies between different celestial bodies.
Given that planet X has a mass that is twice that of planet Y, it will have a greater gravitational influence. The gravitational force (and hence the weight) experienced by an object on planet X will be stronger compared to that on planet Y, due to the greater mass of planet X.
Thus, the conclusions are:
- Mass of the space probes: The mass of the space probes remains the same on both planets, as they are identical probes.
- Weight of the space probes: The weight of the space probes on planet X will be greater than on planet Y.
So the correct statements are:
- The mass of the space probe on planet X will be greater than the mass of the space probe on planet Y. (This statement is incorrect; the mass is the same on both planets.)
- The weight of the space probe on planet X will be greater than the weight of the space probe on planet Y. (This statement is correct.)
Thus, the final answer is: The weight of the space probe on planet X will be greater than the weight of the space probe on planet Y.
2 answers