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How Do Astronauts Experience Free Fall During Space Missions?

Astronauts feel a special kind of falling when they are in space. This happens because they are always falling towards Earth, but they are also moving really fast sideways.

Think about how a ball moves when you throw it. It doesn't just go straight down; it curves because of gravity. In the same way, a spaceship goes around Earth while it is falling, creating a situation where everything inside feels weightless.

What is Free Fall?

  • Definition: Free fall is when something is only pulled by gravity.
  • Gravity's Pull: On Earth, gravity pulls things down at a speed of about 9.8 meters per second squared.

Why Do Astronauts Float?

When a spaceship is in orbit, it is moving very fast and falling toward Earth at the same time. So, the spaceship and everything inside, like astronauts, are all falling together. Since they are falling at the same speed as the spaceship, astronauts feel like they have no weight.

Example of Free Fall in Orbit

Imagine you drop a ball inside a spaceship. Both the ball and the spaceship will fall together. This makes it look like the ball is floating! This situation is called "microgravity," and it’s why astronauts can float and do experiments as if there is no gravity around them.

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How Do Astronauts Experience Free Fall During Space Missions?

Astronauts feel a special kind of falling when they are in space. This happens because they are always falling towards Earth, but they are also moving really fast sideways.

Think about how a ball moves when you throw it. It doesn't just go straight down; it curves because of gravity. In the same way, a spaceship goes around Earth while it is falling, creating a situation where everything inside feels weightless.

What is Free Fall?

  • Definition: Free fall is when something is only pulled by gravity.
  • Gravity's Pull: On Earth, gravity pulls things down at a speed of about 9.8 meters per second squared.

Why Do Astronauts Float?

When a spaceship is in orbit, it is moving very fast and falling toward Earth at the same time. So, the spaceship and everything inside, like astronauts, are all falling together. Since they are falling at the same speed as the spaceship, astronauts feel like they have no weight.

Example of Free Fall in Orbit

Imagine you drop a ball inside a spaceship. Both the ball and the spaceship will fall together. This makes it look like the ball is floating! This situation is called "microgravity," and it’s why astronauts can float and do experiments as if there is no gravity around them.

Related articles