An astronaut in an orbiting space-craft feels "weightless" because she:
A)is beyond the range of gravity
B)is pulled outwards by centrifugal force
C)has no acceleration
D)has the same acceleration as the space-craft
E)is outside Earth's atmosphere

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

An astronaut in an orbiting space-craft feels "weightless" because she has the same acceleration as the space-craft. This is due to the fact that both the astronaut and the spacecraft are in free-fall towards the Earth, and therefore experience the same gravitational acceleration. This creates the sensation of weightlessness.

An Astronaut in an Orbiting Space-Craft Feels "Weightless" Because She