The amount of gravitational force that acts on a space vehicle while in Earth orbit is
A)nearly zero.
B)nearly as much as the vehicle's weight on Earth's surface.
C)the same as the vehicle's weight on Earth's surface.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In Earth orbit, a space vehicle is in free fall, experiencing microgravity. However, the gravitational force acting on it is nearly as much as its weight on Earth's surface. The sensation of weightlessness is due to the vehicle and its contents falling at the same rate towards Earth, not because gravity is significantly weaker.

The Amount of Gravitational Force That Acts on a Space