An piece of space debris is released from rest at an altitude that is two earth radii from the center of the earth. Compared to its weight on Earth, the weight of this debris is
A) zero.
B) one-third of its weight on the surface of the earth.
C) the same as on the surface of the earth.
D) one-quarter of its weight on the surface of the earth.
E) one-half of its weight on the surface of the earth.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The gravitational force (weight) decreases with the square of the distance from the center of the Earth. At two Earth radii, the distance is doubled, so the weight is (1/2)^2 = 1/4 of its weight on the surface.

An Piece of Space Debris Is Released from Rest at an Altitude