Group 2: Spacecraft, Motion, and Signals#

Theme: Two scientists steer a space probe past an icy comet and fight to keep the communication signal alive.

module /ˈmɒdjuːl/ noun

1. A module is a separate unit or part of a spacecraft, machine, or system that can work on its own or be joined with other parts.

spacecraft /ˈspeɪskrɑːft/ noun

1. A spacecraft is a vehicle that can travel in space.

spaceship /ˈspeɪsʃɪp/ noun

1. A spaceship is a vehicle that carries people through space.

expedition /ˌekspəˈdɪʃn/ noun

1. An expedition is an organized journey that is made for a particular purpose, especially to explore an unfamiliar place or conduct scientific research.

exploration /ˌekspləˈreɪʃn/ noun

1. Exploration is the process of travelling through an unfamiliar area to learn about it or discover what is there.

probe /prəʊb/ noun

1. A space probe is a spacecraft without people on board that is sent into space to gather scientific information.
2. A probe is a long and thorough investigation into something.

flyby /ˈflaɪbaɪ/ noun

1. A flyby is a flight of a spacecraft close to a planet, moon, or other celestial body in order to observe it and gather data without landing.

dynamics /daɪˈnæmɪks/ noun

1. Dynamics is the branch of physics that deals with the forces that cause objects to move.
2. The dynamics of a situation or relationship are the forces and processes that cause it to change or develop.

curve /kɜːv/ noun

1. A curve is a smooth line or shape that bends gently without any sharp angles.

propulsion /prəˈpʌlʃn/ noun

1. Propulsion is the force that pushes or drives something forward.

pressure /ˈpreʃə/ noun

1. Pressure is the force that a liquid or gas exerts on the surfaces of its container or surroundings.
2. If you are under pressure, you feel stressed and anxious because people are expecting a lot from you or demanding that you do something.

vent /vent/ noun verb

1. A vent is an opening or pipe that allows air, gas, or liquid to escape from a confined space.
2. If you vent a feeling such as anger, you express it strongly and forcefully.

tail /teɪl/ noun

1. The tail of something, such as a vehicle, aircraft, or comet, is the back or end part of it.

motion /ˈməʊʃn/ verb

1. If you motion to someone, you make a movement with your hand or head to show them what you want them to do or where you want them to go.

solid /ˈsɒlɪd/ noun adjective

1. A solid is a substance that has a fixed shape and is not liquid or gas.
2. A solid object or structure is firm, hard, and well built rather than weak, hollow, or liquid.

liquid /ˈlɪkwɪd/ noun adjective

1. A liquid is a substance which is not solid and can be poured easily, such as water or oil.
2. A liquid substance is in the form of a liquid rather than being solid or a gas.

fluid /ˈfluːɪd/ noun adjective

1. A fluid is any substance that can flow, such as a liquid or a gas.
2. A fluid situation, system, or movement changes easily or flows smoothly rather than being fixed.

refraction /rɪˈfrækʃən/ noun

1. Refraction is the change in direction of a wave, such as light or sound, as it passes from one medium to another.

spectrum /ˈspektrəm/ noun

1. The spectrum is the range of different colours which is produced when light passes through a prism or is split into its separate wavelengths.
2. A spectrum of something is a broad range of related ideas, qualities, or activities.

ultraviolet /ˌʌltrəˈvaɪələt/ noun adjective

1. Ultraviolet or ultraviolet light is a form of radiation that has a wavelength shorter than visible light and is present in sunlight.
2. Ultraviolet light or radiation uses or consists of wavelengths that are just beyond the violet end of the visible spectrum.

radioactive /ˌreɪdiəʊˈæktɪv/ adjective

1. A radioactive substance produces radiation that is harmful to living things as its atomic nuclei decay.

particle /ˈpɑːtɪkl/ noun

1. A particle is a tiny piece of matter, such as an atom or molecule, or a microscopic part of a substance such as dust.
2. You can use particle to refer to a very small amount of something, such as truth or evidence.

atom /ˈætəm/ noun

1. An atom is the smallest particle of an element that can exist, consisting of a nucleus surrounded by electrons.

electron /ɪˈlektrɒn/ noun

1. An electron is a subatomic particle that has a negative electric charge and orbits the nucleus of an atom.

ion /ˈaɪən/ noun

1. An ion is an atom or group of atoms that has gained or lost one or more electrons, giving it a positive or negative electrical charge.

molecule /ˈmɒlɪkjuːl/ noun

1. A molecule is the smallest unit of a chemical substance that can exist independently, consisting of two or more atoms held together by chemical bonds.

quantum /ˈkwɒntəm/ noun

1. In physics, a quantum is the smallest possible amount of energy or matter that can exist independently.

formation /fɔːˈmeɪʃən/ noun

1. The formation of something is the process by which it starts to exist or develops into a particular shape.

method /ˈmeθəd/ noun

1. A method is a particular way of doing something, especially a systematic or planned one.

synthesis /ˈsɪnθəsɪs/ verb

1. If you synthesis a substance or idea, you produce it by combining different parts or chemical elements together.

circuit /ˈsɜːkɪt/ noun

1. An electrical circuit is a complete path through which electric current can flow.
2. A circuit is a series of events, visits, or sports competitions that take place regularly at different places.

signal /ˈsɪɡnəl/ noun

1. A signal is a gesture, sound, or action that conveys information, instructions, or a warning to someone.
2. A signal is a series of electrical or radio waves that carry information such as sound, images, or data.

frequency /ˈfriːkwənsi/ noun

1. The frequency of an event is the number of times that it happens during a particular period.
2. In physics, the frequency of a sound, wave, or signal is the rate at which it vibrates or repeats each second.

antenna /ænˈtenə/ noun

1. An antenna is a device made of metal wire or rods that is used for sending or receiving radio or television signals.

dimension /daɪˈmenʃən/ noun

1. A dimension is a measurable extent of something, such as length, width, or height, or a particular aspect of a situation.