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As the earth rotates about its axis, a person living in his house at the equator goes in a circular orbit of radius equal to the radius of the earth. Why does he/she not feel weightless as a satellite passenger does? |
Answer» To feel the weightlessness in a circular orbit around the earth, the person should orbit with such a speed so that the centrifugal force must be equal to the apparent weight of the person. For this condition g = v²/R at earth's surface. This gives, v =√gR = √(9.8*6400000) = 7920 m/s = 7.92 km/s So only going in the circular orbit at the surface of the earth is not sufficient for the weightlessness but his speed also should be 7.92 km/s which is not possible for a person even in a vehicle or plane. Also, the resistance of air on the surface will make the vehicle burn at this speed. |
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