The spacecraft shown below weighs 6.1 million pounds. The rocket produces 7.5 million pounds of thrust.
When the spacecraft falls back to earth, a parachute helps it fall safely. Explain the forces acting during this landing.
(1 point)
Responses
a the parachute’s upward force resists gravity’s downward force.
b the parachute’s downward force resists gravity’s downward force.
c The parachute’s downward force resists gravity’s upward force.
d The parachute’s upward force resists gravity’s upward force.
a) The parachute's upward force resists gravity's downward force.
a) The parachute's upward force resists gravity's downward force.
To understand the forces acting during the spacecraft's landing with a parachute, we need to consider Newton's third law of motion, which states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
When the parachute is deployed, it creates air resistance or drag force. This air resistance opposes the downward force of gravity acting on the spacecraft.
Therefore, the correct answer is:
c) The parachute's downward force resists gravity's upward force.
Explanation: The parachute's downward force generated by air resistance opposes the spacecraft's weight, which is directed downward due to gravity. By providing an upward force, the parachute helps to counteract gravity and slow down the descent of the spacecraft, allowing for a safer landing.