Question Details

Reaction of weightlessness in a satellite is

Options

A

Zero gravity

B

Centre of mass

C

Zero reaction force by satellite surface

D

None of these

Correct Answer :

Zero reaction force by satellite surface

Solution :

The correct answer is Zero reaction force by satellite surface.

Step-by-step Explanation:
1. Understanding Weightlessness: Weightlessness is a sensation experienced by an observer or an object when there is no contact force (reaction force) acting on them from their surroundings. When you stand on the ground, you feel your weight because the ground exerts an upward normal reaction force on your feet.
2. Motion of a Satellite: A satellite orbiting the Earth is in a state of continuous free fall towards the Earth. Both the satellite and any object inside it are accelerating towards the center of the Earth at the same rate, which is the acceleration due to gravity at that altitude (g).
3. Analyzing the Forces:
Let us consider an object of mass m inside a satellite of mass M.
The equation of motion for the object inside the satellite is:
mg-R=ma
where:
- g is the acceleration due to gravity at the satellite's orbit.
- R is the normal reaction force exerted by the surface of the satellite on the object.
- a is the centripetal acceleration of the object.
Since the object is moving in the orbit with the satellite, its acceleration is equal to the acceleration due to gravity at that height, i.e., a=g.
4. Calculating the Reaction Force:
Substituting a=g into the equation:
mg-R=mg
R=0
5. Conclusion:
Since the reaction force R exerted by the surface of the satellite on the object is zero, the object experiences the sensation of weightlessness. Therefore, the physical reaction of weightlessness inside a satellite is due to the zero reaction force by the satellite surface.

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