A question about the motion of a flying insect inside a moving vehicle

[dmehling]

I have a very basic question that I have not yet found the answer to. Basically it's this: if you are traveling in a vehicle at 60 mph, what is it that allows a flying insect inside the vehicle to fly around? Is the insect traveling at 60 mph plus or minus its own speed depending on the direction it's flying within the vehicle? If so, why is the fact that it's inside the vehicle allow it to travel at a speed that it could not reach outside of the vehicle? And what if it flew out the window? Would it suddenly fall to the ground because of a loss of speed or would it gradually slow down to its normal speed of flight?

 

[Doc Al]

I have a very basic question that I have not yet found the answer to. Basically it's this: if you are traveling in a vehicle at 60 mph, what is it that allows a flying insect inside the vehicle to fly around?

The air, which is carried along inside the vehicle.

Is the insect traveling at 60 mph plus or minus its own speed depending on the direction it's flying within the vehicle?

Sure, with respect to the ground.

If so, why is the fact that it's inside the vehicle allow it to travel at a speed that it could not reach outside of the vehicle?

Its speed with respect to the air is normal.

And what if it flew out the window? Would it suddenly fall to the ground because of a loss of speed or would it gradually slow down to its normal speed of flight?

If it flew out the window, it would find itself in a rush of backwards moving air (compared to the air inside the vehicle).

 

[Archosaur]

Similarly, the bug could fly that fast outside a car, were it to catch a 60 mph tailwind.

 

[Dr Lots-o'watts]

Imagine riding in a convertible, what would happen to the fly?

Or opening the back window of an SUV.

 

[PJC01]

Thank you for your question. The motion of a flying insect inside a moving vehicle can be explained by the principles of relative motion. In this scenario, the insect is traveling at the same speed as the vehicle, 60 mph. However, its direction of motion may vary depending on its flight path within the vehicle. If the insect is flying in the same direction as the vehicle's motion, its speed will be 60 mph plus its own speed. If it is flying in the opposite direction, its speed will be 60 mph minus its own speed.

The fact that the insect is inside the vehicle does not affect its speed, but rather its direction of motion. This is because both the insect and the vehicle are in the same frame of reference, meaning they are both moving together. If the insect were to fly out of the window, it would gradually slow down to its normal speed of flight as it enters a different frame of reference.

It is also important to note that the insect's speed of flight is not limited by its surroundings. In open air, it can travel at its maximum speed regardless of external factors. However, inside a moving vehicle, it may experience air resistance and turbulence, which can affect its speed and direction of motion.

I hope this explanation helps to clarify your question. If you have any further inquiries, please do not hesitate to ask. I am always happy to discuss and explore scientific concepts with others.