How to Calculate Weight and Force in Physics: Astronaut Case Study

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating weight and force in physics, specifically through a case study involving an astronaut with a mass of 50 kg. To determine her weight before lift-off, the formula Fnet = ma is applied, where 'a' represents the acceleration due to gravity (approximately 9.81 m/s²). At an altitude of 6400 km above the Earth's surface, the astronaut's weight is one quarter of her weight on Earth, which requires understanding gravitational force changes at different altitudes.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's Three Laws of Motion
  • Familiarity with the formula Fnet = ma (net force = mass times acceleration)
  • Basic knowledge of gravitational force and its variation with altitude
  • Ability to perform calculations involving mass and weight
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the effects of altitude on gravitational force
  • Learn how to calculate weight using the formula W = mg, where W is weight, m is mass, and g is acceleration due to gravity
  • Study the concept of weightlessness and its implications for astronauts in space
  • Explore real-world applications of Newton's laws in aerospace engineering
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, educators teaching motion and force concepts, and anyone interested in the practical applications of physics in space exploration.

Destiny153
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so in my physics class, we are learning about the 3 laws of motion and all that jazz bla bla bla, i get all that stuff, just not the stuff where it comes to math. i suck at math! so we had homework, no duh, and well I am stuck, can i please have some help! anyone??

hear is the problem:

An astronaut has a mass of 50 kg.

A.) how much does she weigh before lift off?
B.) when her space vehicle is 6400 Km. above the Earth's suface, she will weigh one quarter of what she weighed on earth. what does she weigh at this point?

so there you are, ps i know this formula but i don't understand it. Fnet = ma

net force= mass times acceleration? righ?
 
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Destiny153 said:
so in my physics class, we are learning about the 3 laws of motion and all that jazz bla bla bla, i get all that stuff, just not the stuff where it comes to math. i suck at math! so we had homework, no duh, and well I am stuck, can i please have some help! anyone??
First, this is not the homework section.Second ,the three laws of motions are not "bla bla bla"
Destiny153 said:
hear is the problem:

An astronaut has a mass of 50 kg.

A.) how much does she weigh before lift off?
B.) when her space vehicle is 6400 Km. above the Earth's suface, she will weigh one quarter of what she weighed on earth. what does she weigh at this point?

so there you are, ps i know this formula but i don't understand it. Fnet = ma

net force= mass times acceleration? righ?
For A. you just use your formula with the appropriate acceleration.For part B what you wrote is nonsense.
 

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