The reason an astronaut in an earth satellite feels weightless is thatThe reason an astronaut in an earth satellite feels weight
less is thatthe astronaut is falling.the astronaut is at a point in space where the effects of the moon's gravity and the earth's gravity cancel.the astronaut's acceleration is zero.this is a psychological effect associated with rapid motion.the astronaut is beyond the range of the earth's gravity.
The reason an astronaut in an earth satellite feels weightless is that the astronaut is falling.
Option a
<u>Explanation: </u>
The other options except Option is not applicable since the gravitational force is a long range force, in which the satellite revolves very close to the surface of the Earth where the gravity is felt.The zero weight experienced by the astronaut in a satellite is due to the earth pulling along with satellite. Due to gravitational force of the Earth,the astronaut falls freely .
But why not the satellite comes down due to gravity when its launched in space. The fact is that the satellite is launched with velocity of tangent direction and it is very high. The centripetal force balances the gravity.
