Log In Start studying!

Select your language

Suggested languages for you:
Answers without the blur. Sign up and see all textbooks for free! Illustration

Q23CQ

Expert-verified
College Physics (Urone)
Found in: Page 160

Answers without the blur.

Just sign up for free and you're in.

Illustration

Short Answer

To simulate the apparent weightlessness of space orbit, astronauts are trained in the hold of a cargo aircraft that is accelerating downward at g. Why will they appear to be weightless, as measured by standing on a bathroom scale, in this accelerated frame of reference? Is there any difference between their apparent weightlessness in orbit and in the aircraft?

The astronauts appear weightless as the scale is also in the same frame of reference.

There is no difference between the apparent weightlessness of the astronauts in orbit versus that in the aircraft.

See the step by step solution

Step by Step Solution

Step 1: Reason for astronauts appearing to be weightless

The astronauts appear weightless in the accelerated frame of reference, moving downward with the acceleration of the value of g (acceleration due to gravity). The scale is also in the same frame of reference, experiencing downward acceleration.

Step 2: Difference between apparent weightlessness in orbit and in aircraft

There is no difference between the apparent weightlessness of the astronauts in orbit versus that in the aircraft.

Most popular questions for Physics Textbooks

Icon

Want to see more solutions like these?

Sign up for free to discover our expert answers
Get Started - It’s free

Recommended explanations on Physics Textbooks

94% of StudySmarter users get better grades.

Sign up for free
94% of StudySmarter users get better grades.