If two identical balls are connected to the same very long rope, and one of the balls are floating in space and the other one is hanging above earth’s surface. What would happen?

Question

So my 7-year old asked me this and as much as I would love to be able to give him a proper answer, I couldn’t.

Does ball A (in space) float away, taking ball B (above earth’s surface) with it? Will the balls stay somewhat fixed or will ball B force ball A down?

In: Physics

Answer 1

Nothing happens I would think. Since there’s no gravity in space. The earth’s gravity would keep it right where it is. That would be my answer. It’s a lot like fluid in an astronauts brain when they return to earth. Most of the fluid that also cushions the brain from bumping your head concentrates to the base of the skull. Why? Because earth still has some gravity that affects the fluid versus no gravity in space.