Why Isn't It Faster To Fly West?

The video explains how the Earth's rotation affects airplane travel. At the equator, the Earth's surface moves east at 1000 mph, while at 45° latitude, it moves at 700 mph. Airplanes must move relative to the air, adding or subtracting speed based on direction. Despite the Earth's rotation, travel times vary due to upper atmospheric winds like the jet stream, influenced by the Coriolis effect. This effect is due to different Earth parts moving at varying speeds because of its round shape and rotation.

How fast is the Earth's surface moving at the equator?

• 1000 mph

• 700 mph

• 500 mph

• 1200 mph

What happens to an airplane's speed when it flies east?

• It moves faster than the Earth's rotation

• It moves at the same speed as the Earth's rotation

• It moves slower than the Earth's rotation

• It stops moving

Why does it seem like flying west should be faster?

• Because the airplane is moving faster than the Earth

• Because the destination is spinning towards the airplane

• Because the Earth is not spinning

• Because the Earth is flat

What is the Coriolis effect?

• A type of jet stream

• A phenomenon that affects wind patterns due to Earth's rotation

• A force that stops airplanes

• A method to calculate airplane speed

How do winds in the upper atmosphere affect airplane travel times?

• They have no effect

• They always slow down airplanes

• They only affect airplanes flying east

• They can either speed up or slow down airplanes