Mass, Weight and Weightlessness
We have all seen pictures or video of astronauts in weightless environments but are they really weightless? The lesson will conclude with an experience most of us are all familiar with, riding in an elevator, and this will help to clarify what we mean by weight and weightlessness.
Recall the difference of mass and weight
True Weightlessness and Apparent Weightlessness
An object is truly weightless if the force of gravity on an object is equal to 0. This will happen if:
1. mass = 0g, we know this is not possible!
or
2. Gravitational field intensity = 0 (g=0) this is possible!
Use the following videos to make notes on apparent weightlessness. Make sure to include the following:
What is the apparent weight?
Explain how apparent weight changes when you are riding in an elevator. Provide an example.
1. mass = 0g, we know this is not possible!
or
2. Gravitational field intensity = 0 (g=0) this is possible!
Use the following videos to make notes on apparent weightlessness. Make sure to include the following:
What is the apparent weight?
Explain how apparent weight changes when you are riding in an elevator. Provide an example.
Do Learning Activity 4.3.