A person sitting in a chair in a satellite feels weightless because

Options

A. The earth does not attract the object in a satellite
B. The normal force by the chair on the person balance the earth's attraction
C. The normal force is zero
D. The person in satellite is not accelerated

Answer

To solve the question "A person sitting in a chair in a satellite feels weightless because", we need to analyze the situation of a person inside a satellite in orbit around the Earth.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Weightlessness**:
- Weightlessness is the sensation experienced when there is no normal force acting on a person. This occurs when the person and the satellite are in free fall together under the influence of gravity.

2. **Gravitational Force**:
- Although the satellite is in orbit, it is still under the influence of Earth's gravitational pull. The gravitational force acts on both the satellite and the person inside it.

3. **Centripetal Force Requirement**:
- For the satellite to maintain its circular orbit, it requires a centripetal force directed towards the center of the Earth. This centripetal force is provided by the gravitational force acting on the satellite.

4. **Free Fall Condition**:
- Both the satellite and the person inside it are in free fall towards the Earth. Since they are falling together, the person does not experience any normal force from the chair, which leads to the sensation of weightlessness.

5. **Normal Force**:
- In this scenario, the normal force exerted by the chair on the person is zero. Since there is no contact force acting on the person, they feel weightless.

6. **Conclusion**:
- Therefore, the correct answer to the question is that the person feels weightless because the normal force is zero.

### Final Answer:
The person sitting in a chair in a satellite feels weightless because **the normal force is zero**.

---