A space explorer is moving through space far from any planet or star. He notices a large rock, taken as a specimen from an alien planet, floating around the cabin of the ship. Should he push it gently, or should he kick it toward the storage compartment? Explain.

Question

A space explorer is moving through space far from any planet or star.  He notices a large rock, taken as a specimen from an alien planet, floating around the cabin of the ship.  Should he push it gently, or should he kick it toward the storage compartment? Explain.

anonymous · Answer

i think a gentle push is enough,because acoording to law of inertia the net external force acting on the specimen before the push is zero and when a small force is given the object continues ina straight path with constant velocity till it is stopped by the compartment.