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Physics

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    $\begingroup$ What kind of speed are you measuring? $\endgroup$ Commented Aug 15 at 1:16
  • $\begingroup$ Sorry this is not a trick question or anything. The usual speed of the man falling wrt earth $\endgroup$ Commented Aug 15 at 1:22
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    $\begingroup$ @sku, A slightly more detailed version of Einstein's insight starts with the man inside a closed box, with no way to get information from outside. In that case, until he hits an atmosphere or a rocky surface, there is no experiment he can perform inside the box that will tell him whether he and his box are falling toward a nearby planet, or whether they are "drifting" somewhere out in intergalactic space. $\endgroup$ Commented Aug 15 at 1:28
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    $\begingroup$ I see. I get it. It is in this sense the two scenarios are equivalent. Thank you $\endgroup$ Commented Aug 15 at 1:31
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    $\begingroup$ @SolomonSlow Well explained - you could consider promoting your comment to an answer. $\endgroup$ Commented Aug 15 at 1:35