Question

estimate the field gs (or acceleration) of objects inside the space shuttle as compared to the field on earth ge. hint: shuttle orbits ~400 km above the earth, or at rs

Answer 1

To estimate the gravitational acceleration on a space shuttle orbiting 400 km above Earth, we use the formula g = (G * ME) / r^2, resulting in a value of 8.67 m/s^2, compared to Earth's surface gravity, ge, of approximately 9.81 m/s^2.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student wants to estimate the acceleration due to gravity (g) on a space shuttle orbiting 400 km above Earth's surface, compared to the acceleration due to gravity on Earth's surface (ge). To find the value of g at the altitude of the space shuttle, we use the formula for gravitational acceleration outside Earth's surface:

g = (G * ME) / r2

Where G is the gravitational constant, ME is the mass of Earth, and r is the distance from the center of Earth to the space shuttle, which is Earth's radius plus the altitude of the shuttle.
As given, g at 400 km above Earth's surface, which is the approximate orbit of the International Space Station, is 8.67 m/s2. This value is slightly less than ge, which is approximately 9.81 m/s2 at Earth's surface.