Back to 6.1 Solving Problems with Newton’s Laws

6.1 Exercise 7

Avg difficulty 2.5

To simulate the apparent weightlessness of space orbit, astronauts are trained in the hold of a cargo aircraft that is accelerating downward at g. Why do they appear to be weightless, as measured by standing on a bathroom scale, in this accelerated frame of reference? Is there any difference between their apparent weightlessness in orbit and in the aircraft?

OpenStax University Physics Volume 1, 6.1 Solving Problems with Newton’s Laws, exercise 7

AI Tutor

Adapted from University Physics Volume 1 © 2016 Rice University. Licensed under CC BY 4.0. Source: University Physics Volume 1. Imported at revision db44eb9.