Does it have to do with air currents, the rotation of the earth or both? Please explain...
2006-07-12 05:48:59 · 6 answers · asked by Maximus C 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
Hihi! I did some internet research on this sometime back, and am glad to share this information with you.
Basically, it's because of wind direction.
Winds at the altitude commercial aircraft fly, are typically 65 mph (105 km/h) but can reach jet-stream speeds of 140 mph (225 km/h) or more. In both the northern (30N to 60N) and southern (30S to 60S) latitudes, the prevailing winds blow from west to east. The eastward aircraft enjoys tail winds while the westward plane battles head winds; the eastward plane wins — by about 8 hours. This calculation assumes a constant 65 mph westerly wind along the entire flight path, a Boeing 777 cruise speed of 550 mph (885 km/h) and a distance around Earth of 17,600 miles at 45 degrees latitude.
Travelling from US to Europe is eastwards, while europe to US is westwards. Naturally, as mentioned above, US to Europe flight time is faster.
Note that Earth's Rotation and the flight's Jetstream are do not affect flight time. No disrespect to people who have answers this way, i used to think that earth's rotation affected flight time too, until i did the research. It's a common misconception. Read more below to find out.
2006-07-12 06:04:31 · answer #1 · answered by Sentient 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Actually, it takes longer to travel from Europe to the US. I have family in England and flying there takes about 9 hours and coming home takes closer to 11 hours.
It has to do with head-winds. Going there you are going with the Jet stream and coming home you are going against it.
2006-07-12 12:54:24 · answer #2 · answered by Paul G 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe it is because the rotation of the earth. Going with or against it's rotation.
2006-07-12 12:53:21 · answer #3 · answered by Jake B 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've heard that it has to do with the wind shear on the tail end of the plane. For some reason coming back takes less time because of this. I'd ask a pilot. =)
2006-07-12 12:52:22 · answer #4 · answered by aloneinga 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It takes longer from Europe to the US.
2006-07-12 12:59:26 · answer #5 · answered by joefizx 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
becuase as you are traveling taward the US there are air couents and they are going in your direction so it speeds up the ride.
2006-07-12 12:54:27 · answer #6 · answered by ced 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋