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

Answer 1

During the landing of the spacecraft, the relevant forces acting are gravity and the force exerted by the parachute.

1. Gravity's Force: The spacecraft experiences a downward gravitational force due to its weight of 6.1 million pounds.

2. Parachute's Force: When the parachute deploys, it creates an upward force (drag) that opposes the downward force of gravity.

Thus, the correct response encapsulating these forces is:

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

This means that the parachute acts to slow the descent of the spacecraft, providing a safer landing by counteracting the gravitational pull.