Which of the choices describes an action-reaction force pair for a space station containing astronauts in orbit about the earth?

(A) The weight of the astronauts and the centripetal force on the space station.

(B) The weight of the space station and the centripetal force on the space station.

(C) The weight of the astronauts and the gravitational force of the space station on the astronauts.

(D) The weight of the space station and the gravitational force of the space station on the earth.

Question

Guest

Physics

31 December, 17:33

Which of the choices describes an action-reaction force pair for a space station containing astronauts in orbit about the earth?

(A) The weight of the astronauts and the centripetal force on the space station.

(B) The weight of the space station and the centripetal force on the space station.

(C) The weight of the astronauts and the gravitational force of the space station on the astronauts.

(D) The weight of the space station and the gravitational force of the space station on the earth.

+2

Answers (1)

Know the Answer?

Sweety · Answer 1

(D) The weight of the space station and the gravitational force of the space station on the earth.

Explanation:

In both A and B, both the forces act in the same direction (downwards), so they can not be action - reaction force.

In the option C, weight of a astronaut can only be reaction force of gravitational force exerted on the earth by astronaut. Both astronaut and the earth pull each other with equal and opposite force. So option D is correct.