Why Do Falling Spacecrafts Experience Weightlessness?

In summary, two space crafts, X and Y, of equal masses, are falling towards the earth. The values of the following ratios are being asked: i) Wx/Wy and ii) acceleration of X/acceleration of Y. The astronaut in either spacecraft would be considered weightless due to the fact that Y is 5r away from the earth and X is 2r away from the earth, with the radius of Earth being 6.4x10^6 m. To solve part A, the equations F=GMm/r^2 and F=mg can be used.
  • #1
alexparker
18
0
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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  • #2
Have you ever seen the equations F=GMm/r^2 and F=mg? Those are all you need to solve part a.
 

FAQ: Why Do Falling Spacecrafts Experience Weightlessness?

What is the concept of "Two Space Crafts Falling"?

"Two Space Crafts Falling" is a hypothetical situation in which two spacecrafts, with no external forces acting upon them, are falling towards each other in outer space. This scenario is often used in thought experiments to better understand the principles of gravity and motion in space.

How do the spacecrafts move in "Two Space Crafts Falling"?

In this scenario, the spacecrafts will be moving towards each other due to the force of gravity. As they get closer, their speed will increase until they collide or pass by each other.

What factors affect the movement of the spacecrafts in "Two Space Crafts Falling"?

The movement of the spacecrafts in this scenario is primarily affected by the mass and distance between the two objects. The larger the mass and the closer the distance, the stronger the gravitational force and the faster the objects will move towards each other.

Can the two spacecrafts in "Two Space Crafts Falling" ever stop moving towards each other?

Technically, no. As long as there is a gravitational force between the two spacecrafts, they will continue to move towards each other. However, other external forces such as the spacecrafts' thrusters or a nearby planet's gravitational pull, could potentially alter their trajectory and prevent a collision.

What can we learn from studying "Two Space Crafts Falling"?

Studying this scenario helps us better understand the effects of gravity and motion in space. It also allows us to explore different scenarios and potential solutions for avoiding collisions or controlling the movement of objects in space.

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