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Chapter 6: Problem 776

The weight of an astronaut, in an artificial satellite revolving around the earth is (A) zero (B) Equal to that on the earth (C) more than that on earth (D) less than that on the earth

Short Answer

Expert verified
The correct answer is (D) The weight of an astronaut in an artificial satellite revolving around the Earth is less than that on the Earth. This is because the astronaut's weight is technically less in the satellite due to the decreased gravitational force, as they are farther from the Earth's center than when they are on the surface.

Step by step solution

01

Understand the concept of weight in physics.

Weight is the force exerted on an object due to gravity. It is the product of mass and acceleration due to gravity. On Earth, this acceleration is about \( 9.8 \, m/s^2 \), while in space it is less.
02

Compare the weight of an astronaut on Earth and in an artificial satellite.

When an astronaut is in an artificial satellite around the Earth, they are farther from the Earth's center than when they are on the surface. As gravitational force decreases with distance from the center of the mass causing the gravity (in this case, Earth), the astronaut's weight would be less in the satellite than on Earth.
03

Consider the perception of weight.

Although the astronaut's weight is technically less in the satellite due to the decreased gravitational force, the astronaut would feel weightless. This is because the satellite is in constant free fall around the Earth, resulting in a sensation of zero gravity.
04

Choose the correct answer based on the definitions of weight.

If weight is defined as the force of gravity on an object, then the weight of an astronaut in an artificial satellite revolving around the Earth is less than that on Earth (Answer D). However, if weight is defined as the perceived or measurable effect of gravity, then the astronaut would feel weightless, or have a perceived weight of zero (Answer A). Based on the most typical definition of weight in physics as a measure of the force of gravity on an object, the correct answer would be (D) The weight of an astronaut in an artificial satellite revolving around the Earth is less than that on the Earth.

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