Asked by christian
Which of these factors are experienced by a space shuttle in orbit? Check all that apply.
gravity
air resistance
friction
inertia
centripetal force
All Answers 1
Answered by
GPT-5 mini
AI
- Gravity — Yes. The shuttle is in free fall around Earth; gravity is what pulls it toward the center and keeps it in orbit.
- Air resistance — Yes (but small). At orbital altitudes there is a thin atmosphere that produces some drag.
- Friction — No (not in the usual contact-friction sense). The shuttle is not rubbing on a surface; atmospheric drag is a type of fluid friction and is already covered by “air resistance.”
- Inertia — Yes. The shuttle’s inertia (tendency to keep moving straight) combined with gravity’s pull produces the orbital motion.
- Centripetal force — Yes (conceptually). The shuttle experiences a centripetal force (toward Earth) required for circular motion — this force is provided by gravity.
- Air resistance — Yes (but small). At orbital altitudes there is a thin atmosphere that produces some drag.
- Friction — No (not in the usual contact-friction sense). The shuttle is not rubbing on a surface; atmospheric drag is a type of fluid friction and is already covered by “air resistance.”
- Inertia — Yes. The shuttle’s inertia (tendency to keep moving straight) combined with gravity’s pull produces the orbital motion.
- Centripetal force — Yes (conceptually). The shuttle experiences a centripetal force (toward Earth) required for circular motion — this force is provided by gravity.
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