Chapter 3, Problem 35R

To determine

The reason why astronauts seem weightless in orbit.

Answer to Problem 35R

The astronauts seem weightless in orbit because the spacecraft is in free fall and the correct option is option (B).

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

The weight depends on the mass and gravitational strength.

  $W=mg$

Here,

• $m$ is the mass.
• $g$ is gravitational strength.

The astronauts seem weightless in orbit because in orbit no resistance force act on astronauts in path of their movement. Also, in orbit they do not feel the gravitational strength of earth.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the astronauts seem weightless in orbit because the spacecraft is in free fall.