A spring can measure an object’s mass either by its extension under the object’s weight, or by timing its oscillation period. Which method still works aboard a space station in orbit, where objects are weightless?

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1. A spring can measure an object’s mass either by its extension under the object’s weight, or by timing its oscillation period. Which method still works aboard a space station in orbit, where objects are weightless?

Both methods work equally well

Only the extension method works

Only the oscillation-period method works

Neither method works in orbit

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The oscillation-period method works even in weightlessness, since a spring’s oscillation period depends on mass and stiffness, not on gravity. The extension method needs weight to stretch the spring, so it fails in orbit.