Spirit levels... in space

[Dibble]

Would a spirit level (bubble in fluid type, not some electronic thing) "work" in space (ie almost zero gravity), or do they require gravity to work?







I have no idea why I was thinking about this when I was out walking the dogs earlier.

[Dibble]

Eric Mc said:

What would you want a spirit level in space for anyway?

It was just one of those random thoughts that I sometimes get when I'm winding down on a walk with the dogs.

I sort of thought a spirit level would need gravity to work, but wasn't sure.

I probably need a hobby or something.

[Dibble]

handpaper said:

A spirit level requires that it be subject to a force which is resisted by the surface on which it is put - gravity is just the most common example. In the absence of gravity, a spirit level can be used to define a plane normal (perpendicular) to any acceleration; it can tell (indirectly) you in which direction a rocket is accelerating.
If an accelerative force is not resisted, the spirit level will not work.
This would be the case in the absence of any gravitational force (rare) or in the absence of resistance. If the spirit level is falling freely (ie in orbit) it will not give any reading.

So is that a "yes" or a "no", then?