Fly hitting a train physics problem

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The discussion centers on a physics problem involving a fly and a train traveling in opposite directions. The consensus is that the fly is traveling at 5mph until the moment of impact. Some participants argue that the fly's direction changes upon collision, suggesting a point where its speed could be 0mph. However, the primary view maintains that the fly's speed remains 5mph until the impact occurs. The conversation highlights the complexities of speed and direction in physics.
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If a train is traveling 100mph in one direction and a fly is traveling 5mph the opposite, and the fly hits the train what speed is the fly traveling at the point of impact?
 
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girojim said:
If a train is traveling 100mph in one direction and a fly is traveling 5mph the opposite, and the fly hits the train what speed is the fly traveling at the point of impact?

5mph. Same speed all the way up until the fly is killed by the impact. Is this a homework question?
 
berkeman said:
5mph. Same speed all the way up until the fly is killed by the impact. Is this a homework question?

but surely it changes direction, so at some point it must be traveling at 0mph?

It goes from traveling at 5mph West and then when it hits the train it is traveling 100mph East, so there must be a crossover point when it is neither traveling East or West and is therefore traveling at 0mph?
 

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