At this altitude what is the size of the force of attraction between a student with a mass of 48.5 kg and Earth?
N
N
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F = m*g
F= 48.5 x 7.76
F = 376 N
F= 48.5 x 7.76
F = 376 N
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Given that the gravitational is 7.76 N/kg at that altitude, a 48.5 kg student would weigh 48.5 kg x 7.76 N/kg = 376.36 N. An object's weight is the force exerted on the object by gravity.
It's my understanding that at an altitude of the space shuttle's orbit, the gravitational force is 90% of what it is at the earth's surface. The number given in this question seems to indicate around 79% (7.76 / 9.81 = 0.79), but if that's what you're given I'd go with that.
There is a common misconception that people are "weightless" on the space shuttle. The truth is that, while the gravitational field is weaker at that altitude it's still mostly there. The "weightlessness" actually comes from being in orbit with the shuttle. Being in orbit is all about being in a constant state of falling towards the earth while having enough tangential velocity to keep the shuttle circling the planet without falling inwards. If there was no gravitational attraction at that altitude the shuttle would not stay in orbit!
It's my understanding that at an altitude of the space shuttle's orbit, the gravitational force is 90% of what it is at the earth's surface. The number given in this question seems to indicate around 79% (7.76 / 9.81 = 0.79), but if that's what you're given I'd go with that.
There is a common misconception that people are "weightless" on the space shuttle. The truth is that, while the gravitational field is weaker at that altitude it's still mostly there. The "weightlessness" actually comes from being in orbit with the shuttle. Being in orbit is all about being in a constant state of falling towards the earth while having enough tangential velocity to keep the shuttle circling the planet without falling inwards. If there was no gravitational attraction at that altitude the shuttle would not stay in orbit!