What forces affect an astronaut?

[davomil999]

Homework Statement

What forces affect a freely floating astronaut on the ISS. a)in the frame of reference of the station b) from the point of view of a person on earth. Justify your answers.

Relevant Equations

no equations needed as far as i know, if any then maybe F = G * ((m1*m2)/r^2)

Well the first one that comes to mind is gravity and maybe centrifugal/centripetal force. I imagine that forces such as drag shouldn't even be considered. I find it difficult to imagine which belong to which frame of reference.

 

[Doc Al]

I find it difficult to imagine which belong to which frame of reference.

Some "forces" (so-called "fictitious forces") only appear when analyzing things from an accelerated frame.

 

[sojsail]

a) In the frame of reference of the station -- which is in orbit around the Earth, if the astronaut is hovering in the middle of a cabin without hitting anything, how is that happening?
b) From the point of view of a person on earth, the astronaut circles the Earth several times a day. How is that happening?

Take a shot at them. We will be gentle.