Conceptual Physics (12th Edition)

Published by Addison-Wesley
ISBN 10: 0321909100
ISBN 13: 978-0-32190-910-7

Chapter 9 - Think and Discuss - Page 180-181: 88

Answer

Calculate g at the approximate height of the shuttle. $$g= G \frac{M_{Earth}}{d^{2}}$$ $$g= (6.67 \times 10^{-11} \frac {N \cdot m^{2}}{kg^{2}}) \frac{(6.0 \times 10^{24} kg)}{((6380 + 200) \times 10^{3} m))^{2}} = 9.24 \frac{m}{s^{2}} $$ This is not zero. If Earth's gravity at that height were zero, an unpowered space shuttle would feel no force, and move in a straight line at constant velocity.
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