Weightlessness
The velocity of a satellite keeps it in orbit
Even when moving, the satellite is actually
accelerating toward the Earth (this is what
keeps it in its circular path)
Its acceleration results in a curved path which
is the same as the curve of the Earth
Gravity is providing the centripetal force
Perception of
Weightlessness
There is still gravity acting in a satellite
(about 8.9 m/s2), so why do we feel
weightless?
In an free falling elevator, if the FA is
equal to the FG, there is no FN
No force is felt feel weightless – called
apparent weightlessness
Weightlessness that you feel in a
satellite is like the weightlessness in an
elevator
The satellite and everything on it are all
accelerating toward the earth at the
same rate