Satellites: The reason an astronaut in an earth satellite feels weightless is that
A) the astronaut is beyond the range of the earth's gravity.
B) the astronaut is falling.
C) the astronaut is at a point in space where the effects of the moon's gravity and the earth's gravity cancel.
D) this is a psychological effect associated with rapid motion.
E) the astronaut's acceleration is zero.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The reason an astronaut in an earth satellite feels weightless is that they are falling in a constant state of freefall. The gravitational pull of the Earth is still acting on them, but their sideways motion results in them constantly "missing" the Earth as they fall, resulting in the feeling of weightlessness.

Satellites: the Reason an Astronaut in an Earth Satellite Feels