How should Simon use the theory of relativity to describe what the astronaut must do in order to hit the button?
Answer
A
The astronaut should toss the penny horizontally straight behind her as it will appear to fall in an arc because objects in an accelerating frame of reference behave in the same way as they would in a gravity field.
B
The astronaut should toss the penny in a straight line toward the button because the penny will follow a straight line in space rather than appear to move in an arc as it would in a gravity field.
C
The astronaut should toss the penny straight up as it will appear to fall in an arc because objects in an accelerating frame of reference behave in the same way as they would in a gravity field.
D
The astronaut should just let the penny go, as the control panel will accelerate upward and curve toward the astronaut because there is no gravity field.