What is the magnitude of the apparent weight of a 65 astronaut 3600 from the center of the Earth's Moon in a space vehicle moving at constant velocity?
To find the magnitude of the apparent weight of the astronaut in the given scenario, we need to understand the concept of apparent weight and how it differs from actual weight.
Apparent weight is the force experienced by an object as a result of its interaction with a supporting surface. In the absence of any external forces, the apparent weight of an object equals its actual weight, which is the force of gravity acting on it.
However, when an object is not in freefall, apparent weight can be different from actual weight due to the presence of additional forces, such as acceleration or deceleration in a moving vehicle.
In this case, the astronaut is in a space vehicle moving at a constant velocity on the Moon. Since the vehicle is not accelerating or decelerating, there are no additional forces acting on the astronaut. Therefore, the magnitude of the apparent weight of the astronaut in this scenario would be the same as their actual weight.
To calculate the actual weight of the astronaut, we can use the equation:
Weight = mass × acceleration due to gravity
The mass of the astronaut is given as 65 kg. The acceleration due to gravity on the Moon is approximately 1/6th that of Earth's, which is approximately 1.622 m/s^2.
Weight = 65 kg × 1.622 m/s^2
Weight ≈ 105.43 N
So, the magnitude of the apparent weight of the astronaut in the given scenario would be approximately 105.43 Newtons.