The "Plane on a Treadmill" Question

dar512 · 12-07-2006, 11:01 AM

If it were a car and depended on the friction between the tires and the ground to move forward, that would be another thing. But in this case, the backward thrust of the engine is what's moving the plane forward. I don't think the treadmill would have much of an effect on the outcome, if any.

Think of it this way. A plane already in the air flies just over the treadmill. Does the movement of the treadmill affect the movement of the plane?

12-07-2006, 11:01 AM	#9
dar512 dar512 is now Pete Zicato Join Date: May 2003 Location: Chicago suburb Posts: 4,968	If it were a car and depended on the friction between the tires and the ground to move forward, that would be another thing. But in this case, the backward thrust of the engine is what's moving the plane forward. I don't think the treadmill would have much of an effect on the outcome, if any. Think of it this way. A plane already in the air flies just over the treadmill. Does the movement of the treadmill affect the movement of the plane? __________________ "Against stupidity the gods themselves contend in vain." -- Friedrich Schiller

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Switch to Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Threaded Mode

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)