4 Random positioning machines
Random positioning machines or RPMs (Figure 4) are used for research into:
- cell biology
- microbiology
- regenerative medicine
- tissue engineering and stem cells
- experimenting with bacteria in a microgravity environment.
An RPM simulates microgravity by rotating with random speeds in all directions. This makes the sample experience gravity from every direction. Over a period of time, the average acceleration due to gravity is zero. The RPM can also provide a different value of gravity where organisms or cells can change.
An RPM can simulate the numerical values of gravity different from Earth’s gravity g (9.81 m/s2). In the case of Mars, this is equivalent to 0.38 g. In the case of the Moon, this is equivalent to 0.18 g.
Now, using these values, complete Activity 5.
Activity 5 RPM and values of gravity
Answer the following questions by choosing one correct option.
a.
3.54 m/s2
b.
2.77 m/s2
c.
0.77 m/s2
d.
1.77 m/s2
e.
177 m/s2
The correct answer is d.
a.
3.73 m/s2
b.
7.46 m/s2
c.
37.3 m/s2
d.
373 m/s2
e.
0.373 m/s2
The correct answer is a.
a.
N
b.
kg
c.
N/kg
d.
m/s
e.
m
The correct answer is c.
You will now look at the survivability of microbes in extreme physical conditions on Earth and elsewhere in the Universe.