A robot spacecraft is sent to Mars to explore the Martian polar ice cap. Designers can surround it with a set of inflatable balloons that pop out like automobile air bags as soon as the spacecraft's re-entry parachute opens up. When the spacecraft lands, it will be able to roll for a few meters across the surface of Mars. The popout balloons have an advantage to the spacecraft, because
A) they cancel out the normal force of the surface of Mars.
B) they decrease the kinetic energy.
C) they increase the time of impact and lessen the stopping force.
D) the impulse that stops the spacecraft for landing is less with these balloons.

Question

A robot spacecraft is sent to Mars to explore the Martian polar ice cap. Designers can surround it with a set of inflatable balloons that pop out like automobile air bags as soon as the spacecraft's re-entry parachute opens up.  When the spacecraft lands, it will be able to roll for a few meters across the surface of Mars. The popout balloons have an advantage to the spacecraft, because
A) they cancel out the normal force of the surface of Mars. 
B) they decrease the kinetic energy. 
C) they increase the time of impact and lessen the stopping force. 
D) the impulse that stops the spacecraft for landing is less with these balloons.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The popout balloons increase the time of impact and lessen the stopping force when the spacecraft lands on Mars. This helps to reduce the damage and stress on the spacecraft during landing.

A Robot Spacecraft Is Sent to Mars to Explore the Martian