what is the answer and how do you get it?
2007-03-22 16:59:10 · 7 answers · asked by stayin alive 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
while orbiting the earth , gravity =0
weight = mass * gravity
=175*0
=0
2007-03-22 17:05:32 · answer #1 · answered by priyadarshini u 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is a trick question. The weight of an object is defined as the strength of the force of gravity acting on it. Consider an astronaut on a routine low earth orbital mission of the space shuttle. Even a high LEO is only about 1000 miles above the surface of the earth, increasing the distance between the centers of their equivalent point masses from 4000 to 5000 miles. Since gravity is an inverse square law, the reduction factor is 4 squared divided by 5 squared, so his weight is 175 * 16 / 25 or 112 pounds.
If his weight were zero, gravity would be exerting no force on him, and he would just fly off tangentially into space rather than staying in orbit.
2007-03-23 03:03:33 · answer #2 · answered by Frank N 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
actually, the astronaut is NOT weightless, as there is plenty of gravity acting upon him.
the answer is probably 0, because unless you are like a literal rocket scientist you won't be able to determine the amount of gravity acting upon an object in orbit.
still, though, just because the astronaut isn't falling directly into the earth doesn't mean that he/she is weightless. The earth is massive and pulls on the astronaut a ton. Orbit is more like the astronaut 'falling' around the world anyway. It continues to be pulled down around the edge of the earth.
2007-03-23 00:07:52 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Weight always come in relation with gravity. If he is orbiting around the earth with a specific distance similar to that of the moon. He weighs 1/6 of his actual weight
2007-03-23 00:05:58 · answer #4 · answered by ask_mr_dan 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
its a trick question mate, the astronauts 'regular' weight is just to throw you off. any object in orbit ways precisely zero.
2007-03-23 00:07:53 · answer #5 · answered by arcane 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He would be weightless in space....in a non rotationg, orbiting ship...
2007-03-23 00:23:47 · answer #6 · answered by tito_swave 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well wouldnt he be weightless?! Meaning he wouldnt have a weight...so zero right?
2007-03-23 00:02:03 · answer #7 · answered by d_khar 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋