Plane Flying East-West: Time Difference Explained

In summary: If the mass of Earth were to decrease, the banking of the aircraft would change as well because the aircraft would need to generate more lift to stay in the air. However, the aircraft would still be able to fly using prevailing winds.In summary, the rotation of Earth affects the flying time of planes by changing the direction of prevailing winds.
  • #1
Maxo
160
1
If a plane flies from point W due east to point E and then from E due west to W, does it take equally long? Why doesn't the rotation of the Earth makes it shorter going E to W?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
How does the plane's propulsion system work? Meaning, how does it fly? What does it "push" against?
 
  • #3
Against the wind... which follows Earth's rotation. Could that be seen as like there is wind blowing in the direction of the plane when it goes W to E, and the plane flies with it? Then this wind is instead against the direction of the plane going E to W. So in other words these "winds" exactly cancel out the effects of the rotation?
 
  • #4
Maxo said:
If a plane...

Why a plane, and not a car? What do you think is diffenrent here in terms of Earths rotation effecfs?
 
  • #5
Yes. The atmosphere rotates at (very nearly)the same angular velocity as the rest of the Earth. Although these are not "winds" as these are normally defined as motions of air masses w/r to the surface. Here, rotation of the surface and air is the same(apart from Coriolis force, but that's another kettle of fish).
Best to think of it in terms of a rotating reference frame tied to the rotation of the Earth. As you normally do in your everyday life, without thinking or even noticing the (quite fast)rotation of the planet.

As usual, A.T.'s response is much more incisive, so better focus on that. It's not just a plane or a car, it's also you walking E or W. Can you sense any difference?
 
  • #6
As a side note: The Earths rotation does have a small effect on westward vs. eastward flights. The vertical component of the Coriolis force affects the amount of required lift, and thus fuel consumption. Its a measurble effect, but small compared to jetstreams etc.
 
  • #7
And another side note: when you hear someone talking about the "speed" of a powered aircraft, they nearly always mean the airspeed, the speed of aircraft relative to the air around it. There's a different term, "ground speed", which allows for the effect of headwinds and tailwinds.
 
  • #8
Thanks for the explanations, very interesting.

Here's another (kind of) related question. If the mass of Earth would change, would that affect the banking of airplanes as they turn? If so, how? I don't see why it should. The banking of airplanes as they turn are dependant on the lift force of the engines, which is not connected to the mass of the Earth. Or?
 
  • #9
Maxo said:
Thanks for the explanations, very interesting.

Here's another (kind of) related question. If the mass of Earth would change, would that affect the banking of airplanes as they turn? If so, how? I don't see why it should. The banking of airplanes as they turn are dependant on the lift force of the engines, which is not connected to the mass of the Earth. Or?

In a bank, the lift force no longer points straight down; the vertical component keeps the plane in the air and the horizontal component changes its direction.

If the Earth's gravity were stronger, the aircraft would have to generate more lift to stay aloft. Thus a shallower bank would be needed to generate the same horizontal component and turning force.
 
  • Like
Likes 1 person
  • #10
Very good explanation
 

1. How does flying east-west affect time difference?

When you fly east, you are moving in the same direction as the Earth's rotation. This means that you are essentially chasing the sun and your day will be longer. On the other hand, when you fly west, you are moving against the Earth's rotation and your day will be shorter.

2. Why do we experience time differences when flying east-west?

This is because the Earth is divided into 24 time zones, with each zone being one hour apart. As you travel east or west across these time zones, you are essentially changing your location on Earth and therefore, experiencing a change in time.

3. How do pilots and airlines account for time differences?

Pilots and airlines use a standardized system called Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) to account for time differences. This system is based on the Earth's rotation and is used as a reference for all time zones. Pilots also use navigation equipment and flight plans that take into account the time differences between their departure and destination airports.

4. Is the time difference the same no matter how far you fly?

No, the time difference is not the same for all flights. The time difference depends on the distance you are traveling and the number of time zones you are crossing. For example, flying from New York to London (east-west) will have a time difference of approximately 5 hours, while flying from New York to Los Angeles (west-east) will have a time difference of only 3 hours.

5. Can flying east-west affect our body's internal clock?

Yes, flying east-west can affect our body's internal clock. This is because our bodies have a natural 24-hour cycle, known as circadian rhythm, which is synchronized with the rising and setting of the sun. When we travel across time zones, our circadian rhythm can be disrupted, leading to jet lag and other symptoms such as fatigue, insomnia, and disorientation.

Similar threads

B Inertia and flying
    • Classical Physics
Replies
23
Views
376
Plane Traveling against the wind
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
776
B Questions on how helicopters fly
    • Other Physics Topics
2
Replies
36
Views
4K
B Airplanes Landing & Altitude Problem
    • Other Physics Topics
Replies
3
Views
1K
I On whether the motion of a Foucault pendulum bob is comparable to ballistics
    • Classical Physics
Replies
10
Views
957
Some Flight Calculations and the Motion of the Earth
    • Optics
Replies
11
Views
1K
I The Plane in the Wind Puzzle: Does a Constant Wind Affect the Round Trip Time?
    • Mechanics
Replies
5
Views
1K
Rebutting Fixed Earth Argument: A Response
    • Other Physics Topics
Replies
4
Views
3K
Groundbreaking ‘blended-wing’ demonstrator plane cleared to fly
    • Aerospace Engineering
Replies
12
Views
280
Groundwater Chemistry on an Island
    • Chemistry
Replies
2
Views
863

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top