The Curious Case of the Drone and the Car at 60 mph: A Physics Experiment

Imagine yourself inside a car traveling at 60 mph, and you are operating a drone from the outside. Intriguingly, your question what if I take the drone inside the car while it is still moving? has a fascinating scientific answer. Let's delve into the physics behind this scenario, explore how it might play out, and why it's crucial to approach any such activities with caution.

The Physics Behind the Drone

First, let's acknowledge the dangers involved. Caleb Dyrud's observation that a drone capable of 60 mph would need to be big and heavy is not without merit. It's vital to understand that such a device would be incredibly dangerous if mishandled. The physics of the situation, however, intrigue us in a fascinating way.

Drag and the Drone's Journey

While operating the drone outside the car, it must fight against the drag of 60 mph. This drag is the air resistance that the drone experiences relative to the ground. However, the moment the drone tries to enter the car, a significant change in its environment occurs. The air within the car moves with the car, meaning there is no additional drag for the drone to contend with once it enters the car.

Impact of the Change in Airflow

Since the air inside the car is moving at the same speed as the car, the drone wouldn't notice the alteration in its surroundings. It would still attempt to fight against what it perceives as 60 mph drag. As a result, the drone would likely slam into the front windshield. The back windshield would not see the same impact, as the air movement there is less prominent and directed differently.

Optimal Scenario for Drone Retrieval

Theoretically, the only vehicle that might allow you to retrieve a flying drone while also moving at 60 mph would be a motorcycle or an open air beach buggy. These vehicles are more flexible in terms of air movement and could potentially minimize the risk. However, adding any windshield or enclosed area to the vehicle would mean the drone would automatically crash against it, making the scenario highly unadvisable.

Understanding the Physics of Enclosed Objects in Motion

This scenario is an excellent example of the principles of relative motion. When you or the fly are inside the car, you are both moving at 60 mph relative to the ground. From the perspective of a person outside the car, you both are traveling at that speed. However, the fly inside the car thinks it is not moving relative to the car's interior, just as you do. This understanding is crucial when dealing with any enclosed objects in motion.

Thought Experiment: Airplanes in Motion

To further illustrate this concept, let's consider a thought experiment: what keeps you from slamming into the rear bulkhead when you get up to pee in an airplane going 600 mph? The very same principle applies here. You move with the airplane, and your body's internal reference point (your senses) does not detect the speed at which the plane is traveling.

Conclusion

The drone and your car scenario at 60 mph demonstrates the complex nature of relative motion. It is essential to exercise caution and understand the physics involved when engaging in such activities. The safety of you and the drone should always be prioritized.

For those interested in further exploring similar physics scenarios, the principles of relative motion are omnipresent in physics and are crucial for anyone wishing to dive deeper into the world of science and engineering.