Zero Gravity in Space that erases weight.

There’s a common notion we have grown up being used to; accelerated by certain other forces, be it physics exams that require us to explain about weightlessness in space or common jokes about experiencing no weight there due to absence of gravity. So why is this wrong?

The reality behind weightlessness in Zero Gravity

This weightlessness in space experienced by astronauts is the same as the sensation experienced by anyone temporarily suspended above the seat on an amusement park ride or in the elevator falling freely – a situation we have considered in physics since 5th grade. The preconceived notions or biases leads us to the stubborn notions of there is no gravity in space or air resistance in vacuum to be the reasons for weightlessness. Weightlessness exists when all contact forces are removed.

The state of free fall is also when there is no force acting on your body except the force of gravity-a non-contact force. Since the force of gravity cannot be felt without any other opposing forces, you would have no sensation of it. We always weigh as much as we do. It’s just the sensation that differs. So, weightlessness is a sensation; not a reality.

The force of gravity acting upon an astronaut on the space station is certainly less than on earth’s surface. But not enough for the gravity to disappear magically to feel no weight. Astronauts merely feel the weightlessness sensation because there is no pushing or pulling contact force to feel weight or effect of gravity.

That’s a myth debunked and an interesting piece of information I have gained in the process!! So next time someone says there is no gravity in space leading to weightlessness, correct them; it's just microgravity not zero gravity, paying heed to the fact that it is the force of gravity that causes earth to orbit the sun or what holds moon in earth’s orbit.