2007-08-20 14:14:10 · 5 answers · asked by ashwini_pp2000 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
Sir readalot is almost right. However, centripetal force doesn't "cancel" gravitational force. Centripetal force IS gravitational force.
Here's one way to look at it:
When you're fairly near the earth's surface (and at only 200 miles high, the astronauts counts as "fairly near"), and you shoot out horizontally, gravity makes you drop 16 feet in 1 second. This is true of spitwads, bullets, astronauts, cannonballs, etc.
It's also true that the earth's surface is curved; and it happens to drop 16 feet in 5 miles.
So, this means that if you shoot sideways fast enought that you cover 5 miles in 1 second, then you will drop 16 feet--but (becuase the earth's surface also dropped 16 feet), you will not get any closer to the ground.
You'll be in freefall, without getting any closer to the earth! That's called a circular orbit. You'll just keep going.
2007-08-20 14:19:26 · answer #1 · answered by RickB 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
As long as they are in orbit they are in free fall.
Once they fire their reto-rockets they will start to have weight.
2007-08-21 02:24:18 · answer #2 · answered by Billy Butthead 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The entire time they are in orbit. Centrifugal force completely cancels gravitational force.
2007-08-20 14:17:50 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
centripetal force doesnt cancel out gravity....because centripetal force IS gravity.
holy crap rickB we wrote the same thing
2007-08-20 14:19:50 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
For as long as they are in orbit.
2007-08-24 07:24:16 · answer #5 · answered by johnandeileen2000 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋