STATEMENT-1 An astronaut in an orbiting space station above the Earth experiences weightlessness. and STATEMENT-2 An object moving around the Earth under the influence of Earth’s gravitational force is in a state of ‘free-fall’.

Question

STATEMENT-1 An astronaut in an orbiting space station above the Earth experiences weightlessness. and STATEMENT-2 An object moving around the Earth under the influence of Earth’s gravitational force is in a state of ‘free-fall’. (A) STATEMENT-1 is True, STATEMENT-2 is True; STATEMENT-2 is a correct explanation for STATEMENT-1 (B) STATEMENT-1 is True, STATEMENT-2 is True; STATEMENT-2 is NOT a correct explanation for STATEMENT-1 (C) STATEMENT -1 is True, STATEMENT-2 is False (D) STATEMENT -1 is False, STATEMENT-2 is True

Tardigrade Admin · Accepted Answer

In the frame of reference of the orbiting space station (non-inertial frame), the gravitational force is balanced by the centrifugal force (pseudo-force). Hence, the normal reaction becomes zero and the astronaut feels weightless. Thus, Statement- 1 is true.
The above situation is equivalent to a state of free-fall. Hence, Statement2 is the correct explanation for Statement-1.

Q. STATEMENT-1 An astronaut in an orbiting space station above the Earth experiences weightlessness. and STATEMENT-2 An object moving around the Earth under the influence of Earth’s gravitational force is in a state of ‘free-fall’.

STATEMENT-1 is True, STATEMENT-2 is True; STATEMENT-2 is a correct explanation for STATEMENT-1

STATEMENT-1 is True, STATEMENT-2 is True; STATEMENT-2 is NOT a correct explanation for STATEMENT-1

STATEMENT -1 is True, STATEMENT-2 is False

STATEMENT -1 is False, STATEMENT-2 is True

Q. STATEMENT-1
An astronaut in an orbiting space station above the Earth experiences weightlessness.
and
STATEMENT-2
An object moving around the Earth under the influence of Earth’s gravitational force is in a state of ‘free-fall’.