Satellite in Space: Why Freely Falling?

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A satellite in a stable circular orbit around Earth behaves like a freely falling body because it is constantly falling towards Earth while also moving forward, creating a balance that results in orbiting rather than crashing. This continuous free fall creates a condition of weightlessness for astronauts inside the capsule, as they are falling at the same rate as the spacecraft. The centripetal force required to maintain the orbit is provided by Earth's gravitational pull, which keeps the satellite in motion. The sensation of weightlessness occurs because both the satellite and the astronauts are in a state of free fall together. Understanding these principles clarifies the nature of orbital mechanics and the experience of astronauts in space.
sarthak sharma
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Q1 Why does a satellite(or any space capsule etc) moving in a stable circular orbit around Earth behaves like a freely falling body??

Q2 Why do the astronauts in these capsules are said to be in weightless condition??

i m not much convinced with the solutions to my doubts so i would appreciate if i can get a much satisfactory answer...
 
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I'm interested to hear your attempted solutions.

But isn't a satellite in a stable orbit freely falling? I mean, perhaps a satellite in a stable orbit behaves like a freely falling body because it is a freely falling body?

Also, you might want to throw in something about the centripetal force somewhere along the way.
 
sarthak sharma said:
Q1 Why does a satellite(or any space capsule etc) moving in a stable circular orbit around Earth behaves like a freely falling body??

Q2 Why do the astronauts in these capsules are said to be in weightless condition??

i m not much convinced with the solutions to my doubts so i would appreciate if i can get a much satisfactory answer...
If these are questions you've been given, you need to post your own attempts at answers.
 

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