An astronaut experiences weightlessness in a space satellite It is because .

Options

A. 1. the gravitational force is small at that location in space
B. 2. the gravitational force is larger at that location in space
C. 3. the astronaut experience no gravity.
D. 4. the gravity force is infinitely large at that location in space.

Explanation

To solve the question of why an astronaut experiences weightlessness in a space satellite, we can break it down into several steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Weightlessness**: Weightlessness is a sensation experienced when there is no net force acting on an object. In the context of an astronaut in a satellite, this sensation arises due to the conditions of orbit.

2. **Gravitational Force**: When a satellite is in orbit around the Earth, it is still under the influence of Earth's gravitational force. This force acts towards the center of the Earth and is responsible for keeping the satellite in its circular path.

3. **Centripetal Force**: For an object to move in a circular path, it requires a centripetal force directed towards the center of the circle. In the case of a satellite, this centripetal force is provided by the gravitational force acting on it.

4. **Balance of Forces**: In a stable orbit, the gravitational force acting on the satellite is equal to the required centripetal force for circular motion. This means that the net force acting on the satellite is zero.

5. **Absence of Reaction Force**: Since the net force is zero, there is no reaction force acting on the astronaut inside the satellite. Normally, we feel weight due to the reaction force from the ground or a surface pushing against us. In the absence of this reaction force, the astronaut feels weightless.

6. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the correct explanation for why an astronaut experiences weightlessness in a space satellite is that the gravitational force is balanced by the centripetal force, resulting in no net force acting on the astronaut.

### Final Answer:
The astronaut experiences weightlessness because the gravitational force is balanced by the centripetal force, leading to no net force acting on them.