A space satellite weighs 100,000 newtons on Earth. When orbiting at a height of 6000 km [one Earth- radius] above Earth, its weight is
A) zero.
B) 400,000 newtons.
C) 25,000 newtons.
D) 100,000 newtons.
E) 50,000 newtons.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The gravitational force decreases with the square of the distance from the center of the Earth. At 6000 km above the Earth, the distance is doubled (2 Earth radii), so the weight is reduced to one-fourth, making it 25,000 newtons.

A Space Satellite Weighs 100,000 Newtons on Earth