Scientists from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) envision that, in
the future, they will be able to create a 'space lift'. They plan to drop a ribbon-like material
called carbon nanotubes 100,000 km from a satellite in space to a platform in the Pacific
Ocean. From this platform, lifts attached to the carbon nanotubes would be able to transport
people into space.
(a) For the 'space lift' to work, the carbon nanotube must possess certain properties. In the
table below, fill in the reasons why the carbon nanotubes must have the given properties.
Physical property
Reason
Light
Strong
High melting point
(b) Given the physical properties of carbon nanotubes, suggest other applications for this
material.