Answer:
Astronauts who are orbiting the Earth often experience sensations of weightlessness. These sensations experienced by orbiting astronauts are the same sensations experienced by anyone who has been temporarily suspended above the seat on an amusement park ride. Not only are the sensations the same (for astronauts and roller coaster riders), but the causes of those sensations of weightlessness are also the same. Unfortunately however, many people have difficulty understanding the causes of weightlessness.
Explanation:
First, find the velocity of the projectile needed to reach a height h when fired straight up.
Given:
Δy = h
v = 0
a = -g
Find: v₀
v² = v₀² + 2aΔy
(0)² = v₀² + 2(-g)(h)
v₀ = √(2gh)
Now find the height reached if the projectile is launched at a 45° angle.
Given:
v₀ = √(2gh) sin 45° = √(2gh) / √2 = √(gh)
v = 0
a = -g
Find: Δy
v² = v₀² + 2aΔy
(0)² = √(gh)² + 2(-g)Δy
2gΔy = gh
Δy = h/2
The answer is slightly left and slightly right of the curved end of the horseshoe.