A "weightless" astronaut in an orbiting space vehicle is
A)shielded from Earth's gravitational effects.
B)beyond the pull of gravity.
C)without a support force.
D)all of the above
E)none of the above

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Astronauts appear "weightless" in orbit not because they are beyond Earth's gravity, but because they are in free fall towards Earth, with the spacecraft and its occupants continuously falling around the Earth. This condition creates a sensation of weightlessness because there is no support force acting against their bodies. Gravity still acts on them, which is why they orbit the Earth instead of moving off into space. They are not shielded from Earth's gravitational effects, nor are they beyond the pull of gravity.

A "Weightless" Astronaut in an Orbiting Space Vehicle Is