which best explains why astronauts appear weightless when they are in a space shuttle orbiting earth?\nthey…

which best explains why astronauts appear weightless when they are in a space shuttle orbiting earth?\nthey are falling toward earth at the same rate as the space shuttle.\nthey are falling toward earth at a faster rate than the space shuttle.\nthey are too far from earth to experience gravity.\nthey are too far from earth to experience air resistance.

which best explains why astronauts appear weightless when they are in a space shuttle orbiting earth?\nthey are falling toward earth at the same rate as the space shuttle.\nthey are falling toward earth at a faster rate than the space shuttle.\nthey are too far from earth to experience gravity.\nthey are too far from earth to experience air resistance.

Answer

Brief Explanations:

Astronauts in an orbiting shuttle are in a state of free - fall. They and the shuttle are falling towards Earth at the same rate due to gravity. This gives the appearance of weightlessness. The distance from Earth is not the main factor for weightlessness in orbit as gravity still acts at orbital altitudes. Air resistance is not relevant to the weightlessness experienced in orbit.

Answer:

They are falling toward Earth at the same rate as the space shuttle.