Question

Suppose, the acceleration due to gravity at the earth's surface is $10m{s}^{-2}$ and at the surface of Mars is $4.0m{s}^{-2}$. A $60kg$ passenger goes from the earth to Mars in a spaceship moving with a constant velocity. Neglect all other objects in the sky. Which part of the figure best represents the weight (net gravitational force) of the passenger as a function of time?

• A. $A$
• B. $B$
• C. $C$
• D. $D$

Answer 1

The correct option is C $C$

A point would exist in the path of the passenger where the force exerted by earth on passenger would be exactly equal to the force exerted by mars on him. At this position, the net force on the body and hence the weight of body would be zero. Hence A and B not possible.

Weight of the body would always be positive or zero, it cannot be negative, and also it would be zero at one point only. Before or after that the weight would have positive values. Hence answer is C.