Why do the astronauts in the international space station experience we...
The parabolic trajectory of the free fall of the international space station is at such high velocity that it essentially orbits the planet. The weightlessness experienced by the astronauts in the ISS is the consequence of this freefall.
Why do the astronauts in the international space station experience we...
Explanation:
The astronauts in the International Space Station (ISS) experience weightlessness because they are falling towards the Earth. This is known as freefall.
Effects of Gravity:
Gravity is the force that attracts objects towards each other. On Earth, gravity pulls objects towards the center of the planet, giving us a sense of weight. The force of gravity decreases as we move away from the Earth's surface.
Orbiting the Earth:
The ISS is in a low Earth orbit, which means it is constantly falling towards the Earth but also moving forward at a high speed. The combination of the forward motion and the pull of gravity creates a curved path around the Earth.
Constant Freefall:
Because the ISS is in a state of constant freefall, the astronauts inside experience a sensation of weightlessness. They are essentially falling towards the Earth at the same rate as the space station, which creates the feeling of weightlessness.
No Sensation of Gravity:
In freefall, there is no sensation of gravity because everything inside the space station, including the astronauts and objects, is falling together. They are all subject to the same acceleration due to gravity, so there is no force pushing against their bodies to create the feeling of weight.
Comparison to Skydiving:
This sensation of weightlessness in space can be compared to skydiving. When skydiving, during the freefall portion before the parachute opens, the skydiver experiences a similar sensation of weightlessness because they are falling towards the Earth without any other forces acting on them.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the astronauts in the International Space Station experience weightlessness because they are in a state of constant freefall. The combination of the forward motion of the space station and the pull of gravity creates an orbit around the Earth, giving the astronauts the feeling of weightlessness.
To make sure you are not studying endlessly, EduRev has designed NEET study material, with Structured Courses, Videos, & Test Series. Plus get personalized analysis, doubt solving and improvement plans to achieve a great score in NEET.