How do bees fly?

Question

I've heard from some friends of mine that physics can't understand how bees fly. That the math just says they shoudn't be able to fly. Is that true? If so how do they fly then?

They said that their wings were too small to support them.

Answer 1

Your friends are repeating a myth that has been circulating for many decades.
The following link explains everything:
http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a5_045.html
To put it briefly, the equations that apply to fixed-wing aircraft can't be applied to bees' flapping wings.
If a person uses the correct physics models and equations, then there's no mystery about bee flight.

The article that I linked to also answers a TRULY interesting question: how can the bees flap their wings at rates that are much faster than the speed of their nervous systems?

Answer 2

I heard that myth a very long time ago, and it's just that, a myth. The physics and math do add up.

I would imagine this thing started with someone who thought bees flap their wings straight up and down, when in fact they move quite amazingly dynamically.

Simply do a quick search on bee flight, and I'm sure you'll find your answer.

Answer 3

That's based on wing size for fixed wing planes.
Bees obviously create enough air-flow to support themselves.
Besides, none of them read the flight manuals.

Answer 4

well this has been a subject of questioning for many years. the reason people say they shouldn't fly is because their bodies weren't built for flying so in a way they are like a miracle

Answer 5

God helps them. Thats the only way I can explain it.

Answer 6

Ask their creator.

Answer 7

ask their creator x2