If a stone is dropped from a balloon on a still day, does the stone fall directly below the balloon, or to the west or east of it?

(In reply to What is the definition of "is"? by Leming)

Agreed!

Most people think West, but it is actually East because the Earth spins from West to East (which makes the sun appear to go from East to West.)

You can not assume a "closed system".  Einstein already knew this- but I'm not sure if Newton did.  

Here's an example of the logic flaw many previous answers contained:  If you are on a merry-go-round - everything on the marry-go-round is moving relative to the floor.  Has anyone ever tried to walk outward on the platform?  You are pushed in many weird directions that do not feel "normal".  But - with the logic flaw, you would assume that your spinning merry-go-round can be viewed as holding still.

To reiterate, Leming is correct

Posted by nick on 2005-07-08 22:17:14