Why Do Falling Spacecrafts Experience Weightlessness?

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SUMMARY

Falling spacecrafts X and Y, with equal masses, experience weightlessness due to free fall towards Earth. The gravitational force on each spacecraft can be calculated using the equations F=GMm/r² and F=mg. Given that spacecraft Y is at a distance of 5r from Earth and spacecraft X is at 2r, the ratios of their weights and accelerations can be determined. Specifically, Wx/Wy equals 0.16 and the acceleration of X/acceleration of Y equals 2.5, illustrating the differences in gravitational effects based on distance from Earth.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of gravitational force equations (F=GMm/r² and F=mg)
  • Basic knowledge of ratios and their calculations
  • Familiarity with concepts of free fall and weightlessness
  • Knowledge of Earth's radius (6.4x10^6 m)
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of gravitational force variations with distance from a massive body
  • Explore the concept of free fall and its effects on perceived weight
  • Learn about the physics of orbital mechanics and spacecraft trajectories
  • Investigate the role of mass and distance in gravitational interactions
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, aerospace engineers, and anyone interested in the principles of gravity and weightlessness in space travel.

alexparker
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Two Space crafts, X and Y, of equal masses, are falling towards the earth.
A) What are the values of the following ratios
i Wx/Wy
ii acceleration of X/acceleration of Y

B) Why would the astronaut in either spacecraft be considered to be 'Weightless'

PLEASE NOTE: There is a diagram that show Y is 5r (away from earth) and X is 2r (away from earth).

The radius of Earth is 6.4x10^6 m

Any help would be very much liked.
Thankyou in advance
 
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Have you ever seen the equations F=GMm/r^2 and F=mg? Those are all you need to solve part a.
 

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