The International Space Station is in orbit around Earth. If an astronaut aboard the station releases an object in mid-air, it will
A) remain at rest because no gravitational force acts upon it.
B) be pulled by gravity in orbit around Earth along with the rest of the Space Station.
C) drop to the floor of the Space Station just as it would on Earth.
D) accelerate toward the ceiling of the Space Station because of the absence of gravity.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The International Space Station (ISS) and everything inside it, including astronauts and any objects they release, are in a state of continuous free fall towards Earth but also moving forward, so they orbit the Earth together. This creates the sensation of weightlessness, but gravity is still acting on them, pulling them in orbit around Earth along with the ISS.

The International Space Station Is in Orbit Around Earth