A "weightless" astronaut in an orbiting shuttle is
A)shielded from Earth's gravitational field.
B)beyond the pull of gravity.
C)pulled only by gravitation to the shuttle which cancels Earth's gravitational pull.
D)like the shuttle, pulled by Earth's gravitation.
E)none of the above

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Astronauts appear "weightless" in an orbiting shuttle because they are in free fall towards Earth, along with the shuttle. They are not beyond the pull of gravity nor shielded from Earth's gravitational field. The gravitational pull from Earth affects both the shuttle and the astronaut equally, creating the sensation of weightlessness.

A "Weightless" Astronaut in an Orbiting Shuttle Is