The amount of gravitational force that acts on a space vehicle that orbits Earth is
A)nearly zero.
B)nearly as much as the vehicle's weight on Earth's surface.
C)the same as the vehicle's weight on Earth's surface.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The gravitational force acting on a space vehicle in orbit around Earth is nearly as much as the vehicle's weight on Earth's surface. The sensation of weightlessness experienced by astronauts is due to the vehicle being in free fall towards Earth, but its forward motion keeps it in orbit.

The Amount of Gravitational Force That Acts on a Space