Barron's 2nd Edition PT1 Q28

Barron's Book

28) This problem asks us to find the apparent weight of the astronaut. When a question asks for the apparent weight, it is basically asking for the normal force. Our first step is to draw out a force diagram of all forces acting on the astronaut.

Where F[N] is the normal force, and F[g] is the gravitational force

Since we are given the astronaut's mass and the net acceleration we can calculate the net force. Additionally, we can equate this to the sum of forces acting on the astronaut. With this information, we should be able to solve the net force equation for the normal force.

Where m is mass, a is acceleration, g is acceleration of gravity, F[Net] is the net force, F[N] is the normal force, and F[g] is the gravitational force

Answer: E