When Astronauts Aboard the International Space Station (ISS) in Space

question 15

Multiple Choice

When astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) in space let go of an orange, it just floats there. Why is that?

• A) the ISS is so far from the Earth, the gravity there is essentially zero
• B) the ISS is falling around the Earth, and in free fall, things feel no weight
• C) spacetime is so different aboard the ISS, that time stops, and so nothing can fall
• D) the law of gravity only works on the Earth, it doesn't work in space
• E) this is an unsolved problem in science, and so it is "fruitless" to worry about it
• Section 24.2: Spacetime and Gravity

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Definitions:

Subagent

An agent appointed by another agent with the principal's approval, to perform tasks or duties related to the principal's assignment.

Authorization

The formal permission granted by a competent authority to carry out a specific action or process.

Principal

The amount of money originally invested or loaned, on which basis interest and returns are calculated.

Agent's Contract

A legal agreement that specifies the rights and obligations of an agent acting on behalf of another party, the principal.