question_answer 9)

Which of the following symptoms is likely to affect an astronaut in space (a) swollen feet (b) swollen face, (c) headache, (d) orientational problem. 

Answer:

(a) We know that the legs carry the weight of the body in the normal position due to gravity pull. The astronaut in space is in weightlessness state. Hence, swollen feet may not affect his working. (b) In the conditions of weightlessness, the face of the astronaut is expected to get more supply. Due to it, the astronaut may develop swollen face. As eyes, ears, nose, mouth etc. are all embedded in the face, hence, swollen face may affect to great extent the seeing/hearing/smelling/eating capabilities of the astronaut in space. (c) Headache is due to mental strain. It will persist whether a person is an astronaut in space or he is on earth. It means headache will have the same effect on the astronaut in space as on a person on earth. (d) Space also has orientation. We also have the frames of reference in space. Hence, orientational problem will affect the astronaut in space. In the following two exercises 10 and 11 choose the correct answer among the given ones.