If an insect is inside of a container, but flying, is it adding weight to the container?

Question

If an insect is inside of a container, but flying, is it adding weight to the container?

In: 133

Answer 1

I believe yes but a negligible amount with air (version 1) + insect will weigh more than just air (version 2). Air version 1 and 2 are different because assumed it is a closed container, when you open to add an insect to the container, the gas particle concentration changes. Air (version 1) will be less dense, thinner air, less pressure than air (version 2).

A flying insect is also acts as a force. The insect applies a downward force to the air equal to its weight. In a closed container, that air cannot escape, so its motion supplies a downward force to the container that is exactly the same as the weight of the fly.

Now, the apparent weight of the total weight of container will fluctuate slightly as the insect accelerates and decelerates or initiates flying, but the fluctuations will always be around the weight of the insect.

If the container isn’t sealed, then the air can escape into the environment without transferring its full downward force to the cage. The total weight will be lighter when the insect is flying in an open container.