The spacecraft shown below weighs 6.1 million pounds. The rocket produces 7.5 million pounds of thrust.

Question

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

The parachute’s upward force resists gravity’s downward force.
The parachute’s upward force resists gravity’s downward force.
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Answer 1

The correct response is:

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

During landing, the main forces acting on the spacecraft are gravity, which pulls it downward, and the force produced by the parachute, which provides an upward force (drag) that helps to slow the descent. The parachute generates lift in opposition to the force of gravity, thus aiding in a safe landing.