Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Newton's Second Law of Motion
Newton's Second Law states that the force acting on an object is equal to the mass of that object multiplied by its acceleration (F = ma). This principle is fundamental in understanding how forces affect the motion of objects, including the astronaut in the question, as it allows us to calculate the force exerted based on the mass and the acceleration experienced.
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Weight
Weight is the force exerted by gravity on an object, calculated as the product of the object's mass and the acceleration due to gravity (W = mg). In this scenario, the astronaut's weight contributes to the total force he exerts on the chair, as he must counteract this gravitational force while also accelerating upwards.
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Net Force
Net force is the total force acting on an object when all individual forces are combined. In the case of the astronaut accelerating upwards, the net force is the difference between the upward force he exerts on the chair and the downward gravitational force (weight). Understanding net force is crucial for determining the actual force exerted by the astronaut during acceleration.
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