Suppose a rocket launches with an acceleration of 33 m/s2. What is the apparent weight of an 65 kg astronaut aboard this rocket?
We want the force down on a scale the person is standing on which is the force up on the person's shoes exerted by the scale.
net Force up on person = Fscale - mg
so
Fscale - m g = m a
Fscale = mg + ma
Fscale = 65 (9.8+33)
To find the apparent weight of the astronaut, we need to consider the force acting on the astronaut. The apparent weight of an object is the force exerted on it by a supporting surface, such as a scale, when taking into account the effects of acceleration.
The force acting on the astronaut can be calculated using Newton's second law of motion, which states that Force (F) equals mass (m) multiplied by acceleration (a). In this case, the acceleration is provided as 33 m/s² and the mass of the astronaut is given as 65 kg.
So we can calculate the force using the equation:
F = m * a
F = 65 kg * 33 m/s²
F = 2145 N
Therefore, the apparent weight of the 65 kg astronaut aboard the rocket is 2145 Newtons.