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

---

Definitions:

Doing the Dishes

A domestic chore involving the cleaning of dishware, utensils, and cooking equipment by hand or using a dishwasher.

Negative Reinforcement

A method of increasing desired behaviors by removing or avoiding a negative outcome or stimulus.

Withdraws Attention

The process of deliberately shifting focus away from stimuli perceived to be threatening, irrelevant, or otherwise undesirable.

Criticising

The act of expressing disapproval of someone or something based on perceived faults or mistakes.