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.
The parachute’s upward force resists gravity’s upward force.
The parachute’s upward force resists gravity’s downward force.
The parachute’s downward force resists gravity’s downward force.
The parachute’s downward force resists gravity’s upward force.
The correct statement is:
The parachute’s upward force resists gravity’s downward force.
During the landing, gravity is pulling the spacecraft downward, causing it to fall towards the Earth's surface. However, the parachute is designed to generate an upward force that acts against the force of gravity. This upward force slows down the descent of the spacecraft, preventing it from falling too quickly and allowing for a safe landing.
The correct answer is:
The parachute's upward force resists gravity's downward force.
The correct answer is: The parachute's upward force resists gravity's downward force.
When the spacecraft falls back to Earth, there are two main forces acting on it: gravity pulling it downward and air resistance pushing against it.
The parachute's purpose is to create drag or air resistance, which opposes the downward force of gravity. As the parachute opens, it captures air and creates a large surface area, which increases air resistance. This increased air resistance generates an upward force acting against the downward force of gravity, allowing the spacecraft to slow down its descent.
So, the parachute's upward force counteracts gravity's downward force, making the descent safer and slower.