Gujarati
7.Gravitation
medium

The international space station is maintained in a nearly circular orbit with a mean altitude of $330 \,km$ and a maximum of $410 \,km$. An astronaut is floating in the space station's cabin. The acceleration of astronaut as measured from the earth is

A

zero

B

nearly zero and directed towards the earth

C

nearly $g$ and directed along the line of travel of the station

D

nearly $g$ and directed towards the earth

(KVPY-2015)

Solution

(d)

At height $h$, acceleration due to gravity is $g_h=\frac{G M}{(R+h)^2}$

For

$h << R,$

$g_h \approx \frac{G M}{R^2}=g$

Direction is towards centre of earth.

Standard 11
Physics

Similar Questions

Start a Free Trial Now

Confusing about what to choose? Our team will schedule a demo shortly.