Question

Reason of weightlessness in a satellite is ____________.

Options

• Zero gravity

• Centre of mass

• Zero reaction force by satellite surface

• None of these

Answer 1

Reason of weightlessness in a satellite is Zero reaction force by satellite surface.

Explanation:

When satellite is moving with constant speed along the orbit, the satellite as well as the person inside it, both fall towards the earth with acceleration 'g'. The force of reaction exerted by floor of satellite is N = mg - ma. But, a = g ⇒ N = mg - mg = 0. Hence, the satellite does not provide normal reaction on the person. This is the reason the person experiences weightlessness inside satellite.