Once the space shuttle is in orbit at a radius R from earths's centre what force does the seat exert on the astronout?
Correct answer: B. Zero newton
- A. mg
- B. Zero newton
- C. m/g
- D. mg/R2
Explanation
Zero. The force of gravity is counterbalanced by the force of angular acceleration.That's how it stays in orbit.Have you ever seen any commentary on astronauts in spaceships? They are floating in a spaceship too, with no force.
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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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