Question

Earth-orbiting astronauts feel weightless in space because _____. Choose all that apply. 1 point They are in free-fall motion. There is an absence of contact forces acting upon their bodies. Gravity is the only force acting upon their bodies. They are not experiencing any support forces. Their surroundings are accelerating to the earth at the same rate they are.

Answer 1

They are in free-fall motion.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Earth orbiting astronauts are falling at an acceleration that is the same or greater than the acceleration due to gravity i.e., 9.81 m/s². If you are continuously falling at this rate then you will feel weightless.

This same effect is felt while going down in an elevator. When you down in an elevator you feel that you are lighter and feel that something is pushing you up. Earth-orbiting astronauts feel the same effect but the accelration is greater hence they feel weightless.