Question
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An object weighs 10 kg on the surface of the earth. The apparent weight of the object in a geostationary satellite is-
An object weighs 10 kg on the surface of the earth. The apparent weight of the object in a geostationary satellite is-
Answer (Detailed Solution Below)
Detailed Solution
Download Solution PDFThe correct answer is option 3) i.e. 0 N
CONCEPT:
- Weight: The weight of an object is the force with which it is pulled by gravity.
It is given by:
W = mg
Where m is the mass of the body and g is the acceleration due to gravity.
- Weightlessness: Weightlessness is a sensation experienced by a body in the absence of any forces of gravity acting on it.
EXPLANATION:
- Every part of the satellite orbiting the earth has an acceleration towards the centre of the earth which is exactly the value of earth’s acceleration due to gravity at that position. Thus in the satellite, everything inside it is in a state of free fall.
- When an object is in free fall, it is weightless as there is no upward force to counteract the gravitational force. Hence, an object under freefall experiences weightlessness.
- If 'g' is the acceleration due to gravity of Earth at a certain position inside the satellite and 'a' is the acceleration of the satellite, then the apparent weight of the object inside the satellite will be:
W' = mg - ma
- As the satellite is under free fall, a = g
⇒ Apparent weight, W' = mg - mg = 0 N
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