Kaplan Nursing Entrance Practice Exam

What does an astronaut have less of when in outer space?

1. Mass

2. Weight

3. Force

4. Energy

The correct answer is: Weight

In outer space, an astronaut experiences a reduction in weight due to the absence of significant gravitational forces. Weight is the force exerted on an object due to gravity, and it depends on the local gravitational field strength. Although an astronaut's mass remains the same regardless of their location, the weight, which is calculated as mass multiplied by the gravitational acceleration, decreases dramatically when they are beyond the influence of Earth's gravity. In the context of space, astronauts may float or experience a sensation of weightlessness, commonly described as microgravity. This environment allows them to move freely without the resistance typically felt on Earth, reinforcing the idea that their weight has effectively diminished. While the astronaut's mass (the amount of matter in their body) remains constant, weight is influenced directly by the gravitational pull, which is significantly weaker in outer space compared to the Earth's surface. Consequently, weight is the most accurate choice when determining what an astronaut has less of while in outer space.