Question 25

Astronauts orbiting the earth in the space shuttle experience a force of gravity that is

several times greater than the Fgrav experienced on Earth's surface.

several times smaller than the Fgrav experienced on Earth's surface.

a fraction greater than the Fgrav experienced on Earth's surface.

a fraction smaller than the Fgrav experienced on Earth's surface.

... nonsense! Orbiting astronauts do not experience any gravitational pull from the earth.

Question

Physics

Melany Bauer

8 April, 16:24

Question 25

Astronauts orbiting the earth in the space shuttle experience a force of gravity that is

several times greater than the Fgrav experienced on Earth's surface.

several times smaller than the Fgrav experienced on Earth's surface.

a fraction greater than the Fgrav experienced on Earth's surface.

a fraction smaller than the Fgrav experienced on Earth's surface.

... nonsense! Orbiting astronauts do not experience any gravitational pull from the earth.

+2

Answers (1)

Know the Answer?

Armani Castaneda · Answer 1

The acceleration of gravity in low Earth orbit is a fraction smaller than it is on the Earth's surface, like maybe 15% less.

The astronauts feel no gravity at all, because they and everything around them are constantly falling.