JEE Main 2016 · 10 Apr · Shift 1 · Physics Q6

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PhysicsSingle correct+4 / -1Question 6 of 90

An astronaut of mass m is working on a satellite orbiting the earth at a distance h from the earth's surface. The radius of the earth is R, while its mass is M. The gravitational pull $F_G$ on the astronaut is :

Zero since astronaut feels weightless

0<F_G<\dfrac{GMm}{R^2}

\dfrac{GMm}{(R+h)^2}<F_G<\dfrac{GMm}{R^2}

F_G=\dfrac{GMm}{(R+h)^2}

Answer and worked solution

Official answer: D

Gravity still acts on the astronaut; it provides the centripetal force (that is why the astronaut feels weightless). Its value is $\frac{GMm}{(R+h)^2}$ .

Topics:Newton's law of gravitation Satellites and orbital motion

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JEE Main 2016 · 10 Apr · Shift 1, Physics question 6