Weightlessness in Orbit
The Weightlessness in Orbit Video Tutorial explains the meaning of the term weightlessness​ and identifies the cause of weightlessness. The variety of learner misconceptions associated with the topic are addressed. Numerous examples, illustrations, and animations assist in the explanations.
The video lesson answers the following questions:
- What is meant by the term weightlessness?
- Why do orbiting astronauts experience weightlessness?
Video
You can watch the video below, or click here to watch on YouTube (opens in a new tab).
To improve the effectiveness of the learning experience, The Physics Classroom has provided the following tools:
Additional and Related Learning Tools
Minds On Physics, Mission CG9: Weightlessness
There's nothing like a Minds On Physics mission for assessing understanding of a topic. Completing a mission is like earning a stamp of approval of your understanding. Give this one a try.
Physics Interactives: Elevator Ride Simulation
Why do you get that queasy feeling on an elevator ride? Check out our simulation and find out why ... without getting that queasy feeling.
The Physics Classroom Tutorial, Circular and Satellite Motion Chapter, Weightlessness in Orbit
Our written Tutorial is the most popular section of the website. It reads like a book ... but better. Give this page a read when you need to refresh up on the topic. It contains easy to understand appeals to logic.
Teacher Resources
Curriculum Corner, Circular Motion and Gravitation
Get students active and thinking with our free Think Sheets from the Curriclum Corner section of our website. The following Think Sheet is an excellent fit to this video:
Weightlessness
Teacher Toolkits, Satellite Motion
Try a Teacher Toolkit ... you might be very glad that you did. Each toolkit includes annotated links to vetted resources from across the web that we feel reliably support the specific topic. This one on satellite motion includes resources applicable to a unit or portion of a unit on satellite motion.
Minds On Physics, Mission CG9: Weightlessness
There's nothing like a Minds On Physics mission for assessing understanding of a topic. When a student completes a mission, you have a reasonably solid piece of evidence that they understand. And with a Task Tracker account, you can assign it for homework and have us track their progress.
Physics Interactives: Elevator Ride Simulation
This simulation fits nicely with our video. It is accompanied by a classroom-ready, student-friendly activity page. Make it part of your lesson plan.
Science Reasoning Center, Circular Motion section, Weightlessness Training
Download this classroom-ready PDF and use it in your classroom. Students read closely, analyze data, reason scientifically, and learn about weightlessness. Great brain food for your classes.
The Physics Classroom Tutorial, Circular and Satellite Motion Chapter, Weightlessness in Orbit
Our written Tutorial is the most popular section of the website. It reads like a book ... but better. This page a great read for students who need to freshen up on the topic. Why not provide a link to it on your course page?
Lesson Notes
Download (opens in a new tab) or view below
Slides
Do you like the slides we used? They are available in our low cost Teacher Presentation Pack, along with other updated materials used in our presentation.