Question

Why do astronauts wear special protective space suits when they are in space? Select the most appropriate answer.

• A. To protect them from extreme temperatures.
• B. The suits are designed to produce oxygen.
• C. Absence of air in space.
• D. (a) and (c) above.

Answer 1

The correct option is D (a) and (c) above.

The air molecules exert pressure on the human body. It exerts a weight as high as 1000 kgs. But, humans don’t feel this pressure as their bodies exert an equal amount of pressure outwards.
In space, there is no air and hence no air pressure. Hence, astronauts have to wear special protective space suits filled with air. If they don't wear these suits, the counter pressure exerted by the body of the astronauts would make the blood vessels burst.

Also because of the lack of atmosphere, the astronauts would be subjected to extreme temperatures in outer space. Hence space suits are designed to protect astronauts against extreme heat and cold.