Question

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

The parachute’s upward force resists gravity’s downward force.
The parachute’s upward force resists gravity’s downward force.

The parachute’s downward force resists gravity’s upward force.
The parachute’s downward force resists gravity’s upward force.

The parachute’s upward force resists gravity’s upward force.
The parachute’s upward force resists gravity’s upward force.

The parachute’s downward force resists gravity’s downward force.

Answer 1

The parachute’s upward force resists gravity’s downward force.

Explanation: gravity pulls the spacecraft down (weight), and the parachute produces an upward drag force that opposes that downward force, slowing the descent (and can balance it for a safe, steady fall).