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1. Mars is a hot topic in scientific circles today. Read this brief article on the Mars Climate Orbiter and answer the question below:
Question: In the box below, describe some of the scientific goals of the Climate Orbiter.

2. The Mars Climate Orbiter, a $125 million craft was lost on September 23. Read this story about the Mars Climate Orbiter loss. After you understand what happened, answer the questions below.
Describe the reason the Mars Climate Orbiter was lost. What was the "simple error" which was made? How could that $125 million loss have been avoided? Write your answer in the box below.

3. Jim Kadel has coined the term "nude numbers" for numbers which are not covered by units (such as kilograms, meters, seconds), and which would be avoided in polite company. For example, if you wrote "4.5" rather than "4.5 seconds", the "4.5" would be a "nude number". What is the connection between "nude numbers" and the loss of the orbiter? Write your answer in the box below.



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Last Update: by Bro. R.W.Harris