Is it just 'cos everything around us is going the same speed so there's no point of reference like there is, say, on a fairground ride? I know it must be obvious, but it still gets me, this one.
2006-12-05 23:27:42 · 9 answers · asked by stevedukenew 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
You answered your own question. Also Newton's first law states that if an object is standing still or moving at a constant velocity the sum of the forces affecting it is 0.
Translated into more common language: we do not feel speed, we only feel acceleration.
2006-12-05 23:56:15 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are correct. You have to look at the motion in relative terms. All the things that we can reference are moving with us so we cannot see a significant motion. If you are flying in a jet and everyone closes the windows, it does not feel like you are going a few hundred mph. It is the same situation. If the plane changes its trajectory, you can feel this motion, but fortunately, the earth has not decided to re-route its orbit so we do not feel any change!
2006-12-05 23:54:01 · answer #2 · answered by Andy M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The angular speed of the sun with respect to earth is 2x10 ^(-7) radian /second
Or 1.14 x10^(-5) degree per second.
Such a small speed cannot be perceived by our eye.
There are limits to perceived speed.
The second hand of a watch can be seen in motion, but the minute hand cannot.
At 2 meters from the eyes the slowest perceptible movement is about 2mm.
The upper limit to perception of movement is appreciated by the fact that we cannot see flying bullets and the like.
2006-12-06 14:24:18 · answer #3 · answered by Pearlsawme 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You've answered your own question - it's the same reason why on an aeroplane flying at 500 mph, you can still get up and walk up and down the aisle without being thrown to the back of the plane. The aircraft is moving at 500mph, but so are you and everything in it!
2006-12-05 23:59:24 · answer #4 · answered by Chris W 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As our friend Einstein said, all speed is relative! You are on the earth and so your speed relative to the earth is zero.
2006-12-06 00:59:17 · answer #5 · answered by clausiusminkowski 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
we do not feel the earth going the speed that it is, because earth is so large. (but when compared to other planets its small). but the earth is so large and when an object that is large as earth, you wouldnt be able to feel it moving so quickly
2006-12-05 23:47:16 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeah you answered you own question it would be great though if there was like G forces on everyone we'd all look like popeye
2006-12-05 23:38:24 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because we are so used to it.
2006-12-05 23:31:49 · answer #8 · answered by net-abuse 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I feel it. I can feel wind in my hair.
2006-12-05 23:40:16 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋