When I am in an airplane taking off, why does it appear that the people seated in front of me are higher than me if there is no outside point of reference? Is it just the gravitational force on my body? And if this is what is happening, what is actually happening within me to make it appear this way?
2006-07-01 06:24:40 · 5 answers · asked by steven a 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
Yes, it's because your inner ear can sense the angle you're sitting at (relative to gravity), and helps your brain decide what's "higher" and "lower."
2006-07-01 06:32:47 · answer #1 · answered by Merovign 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The airplane climbs off the runway at a (usually) fairly decent angle. (Say 15 degrees.) So at least at that moment it is as if you are sitting on a hill. If you got up and started walking forward (NOT A GOOD IDEA!!!) it would feel as if you are walking up hill.
2006-07-01 13:33:07 · answer #2 · answered by danl747 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are parts in your inner ear that help you with balance. They have liquid in them. I this way, you don't need to have a reference point to know if you are balanced or not. Your brain does the rest.
2006-07-01 13:32:39 · answer #3 · answered by Don K 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
becuase the airplane takes off at an angle. if you look behind you, the people will look lower
2006-07-01 13:27:45 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have good balance and know where your center of gravity is even when under acceleration like that.
2006-07-01 13:28:12 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋