Compared to a clock on the surface of the Earth, a clock on the International Space Station runs:
A) at approximately the same rate, but slightly slower.
B) significantly slower
C) significantly faster
D) sometimes faster, sometimes slower
E) at an equal rate, except during eclipses

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The International Space Station is in orbit around the Earth, and therefore experiences time dilation due to both special and general relativity. Special relativity causes time to slow down for objects moving at high speeds, and general relativity causes time to slow down for objects in strong gravitational fields. The International Space Station is moving at a high speed and is also in a strong gravitational field, so time runs slower on the International Space Station than on the surface of the Earth.

Compared to a Clock on the Surface of the Earth