In an artificial satellite, an object appears to be weightless when its rotational acceleration 'α' isequal to
Correct answer: C. g.
- A. g / 4.
- B. g / 2.
- C. g.
- D. 2 g.
Explanation
In an artificial satellite, an object appears weightless when it is in a state of continuous free fall towards Earth. This happens because the satellite and everything inside it, including the object, are accelerating towards the Earth at the same rate as the gravitational pull, g. Therefore, the correct rotational acceleration, α, that results in weightlessness is equal to g. Other values like g/4, g/2, or 2g do not satisfy the condition for weightlessness, as they do not match the gravitational acceleration.
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About Weightlessness and Artificial Gravity
Weightlessness means the apparent weight or supporting force on an object is zero, as in free fall or an orbiting spacecraft, not that gravity has disappeared. Artificial gravity is produced by centripetal acceleration, usually through rotation. Questions compare gravitational force, normal reaction, orbital motion and the sensation of weight.
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