[net.puzzle] weight and weightlessness

tino@hou2f.UUCP (A.TINO) (12/23/85)

Some definitions-

weight: The gravitational force exerted by a planet (Earth) on 
an object.  By this definition an orbiting spacecraft and a person
falling from a rooftop both have weight.

weightless: The absence of the subjective feeling of 'weight' due
to supporting forces.  My chair pushes up on me, giving me the feeling
of 'weight'.  Remove the chair and I'm weightless, at least until I hit 
the floor.  Under normal earth conditions, to sit at my desk requires
me to be supported--by desks, chairs, and floor.  In an orbiting 
spacecraft everything is falling together, so no supporting forces
are needed.

_______
Al Tino