Weightlessness in a satellite is due to the

Options

A. Zero gravity of earth
B. Zero reaction force by satellite surface
C. Center of gravity of satellite
D. Both (2) and (3)

Answer

To solve the question regarding the reason for weightlessness in a satellite, we can break it down into a step-by-step analysis:

### Step 1: Understanding Weightlessness
Weightlessness in a satellite occurs when the occupants inside the satellite do not experience any normal force acting on them. This condition is often referred to as "free fall."

**Hint:** Consider what happens to forces acting on an object in free fall.

### Step 2: Analyzing Forces in the Satellite
Inside the satellite, the person experiences two main forces:
1. The gravitational force acting downward (mg).
2. The centrifugal force acting outward due to the satellite's circular motion (mv²/r).

**Hint:** Think about how these forces interact when the satellite is in orbit.

### Step 3: Setting Up the Force Balance
In a stable orbit, the gravitational force (mg) is balanced by the centrifugal force (mv²/r). This can be expressed mathematically as:
\[ mg = \frac{mv^2}{r} \]

**Hint:** What happens to the normal force when these two forces are equal?

### Step 4: Understanding Normal Force
Since the gravitational force is balanced by the centrifugal force, the normal reaction force (n) exerted by the satellite's surface on the person becomes:
\[ n = mg - \frac{mv^2}{r} = 0 \]

This indicates that there is no normal force acting on the person.

**Hint:** Recall what a normal force represents in terms of weight.

### Step 5: Conclusion
Since the normal force is zero, the person inside the satellite feels weightless. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is that weightlessness in a satellite is due to the "zero reaction force by the satellite surface."

**Hint:** Review the options provided in the question to confirm which one aligns with your conclusion.

### Final Answer
The correct option is: **Zero reaction force by the satellite surface.**