Question

Since astronauts in orbit are apparently weightless, a clever method of measuring their masses is needed to monitor their mass gains or losses to adjust diets. One way to do this is to exert a known force on an astronaut and measure the acceleration produced. Suppose a net external force of 50.0 N is exerted and the astronaut’s acceleration is measured to be 0.893 m/s2. Calculate the astronaut's mass.

Answer 1

Answer:

The Astronaut' mass is 55.99 kg.

Explanation:

Given that,

The net external force acting on the Astronaut, F = 50 N

The acceleration of the Astronaut, $a=0.893\ m/s^2$

It is required to find the Astronaut' mass. We know that the force acting on an object is given by :

F = ma

m is mass of Astronaut

$m=\dfrac{F}{a}\\\\m=\dfrac{50\ N}{0.893\ m/s^2}\\\\m=55.99\ kg$

So, the Astronaut' mass is 55.99 kg.

Answer 2

Answer:

Explanation:

In an earth's orbit , astronauts are not weightless . They feel weightlessness

because they do not feel any reaction force from the floor . It happens because the whole space station and astronaut are falling with the same acceleration of g . So the floor of the space station do not provide any reaction force .

The given force is acting only on the astronaut and the acceleration given is with respect to the space station .

acceleration of astronaut = force / mass

mass = force / acceleration

= 50 / .893

= 55.99

56 Kg .