The "Plane on a Treadmill" Question

LabRat · 12-08-2006, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spexxvet

Now, concerning Labrat's bicycle analogy, one thing is missing. The airport moving walkway would speed up to counteract the push that you give the bike.

Yeah, and in doing so, make the wheels turn faster. But the bike would keep on keepin' on with you pushing it.

Here is something you can test--if you're near a large airport.

If you are pulling one of your airport bags with the wheels on it down the airport terminal, then walk onto (or next to with the bag still on the thingie) a moving walkway thingie, and continue to walk at the same speed what happens? The bag does not stop moving because the tread underneath it is going in the opposite direction. It continues forward because YOU are pulling it, while the wheels spin faster than they were when they were on solid ground. You=the plane's thrusters. the bag = the plane on wheels.

TRY IT!!!!!!!

Spexxvet · 12-08-2006, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LabRat

...TRY IT!!!!!!!

Woops! The walkway doesn't speed up.

hideouse · 12-08-2006, 01:44 PM

The wheels effectively disconnect the plane from the treadmill. the movement of the plane is relative to the planet they are both sitting on. the treadmill can spin any direction and rate you want it to and will have _no_ effect on the airplane or it's ability to move forward at an increasing rate and eventually generate enough lift to fly.

Flint · 12-08-2006, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LabRat

TRY IT!!!!!!!

Interpretation #1: The question doesn't allow you to move forward, relative to the treadmill.
Interpretation #2: The question does allow you to move forward, relative to the treadmill.
Interpretation #3: In this variation of Interpretation #1, you slide forward, relative to the treadmill.

Quote:

Originally Posted by hideouse

...the treadmill can spin any direction and rate you want it to and will have _no_ effect on the airplane or it's ability to move forward...

It has exactly that effect, if you interpret the question as stating that the plane's forward motion is relative to the treadmill.

hideouse · 12-08-2006, 02:28 PM

But now aren't we back to the flaw in the premise?

12-08-2006, 02:28 PM	#5
hideouse Coronation Incarnate Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 91	Ja, aber,,, But now aren't we back to the flaw in the premise? __________________ If you need a straight line, I've usually got a few to spare.

12-08-2006, 01:44 PM	#3
hideouse Coronation Incarnate Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 91	*Wheels! The wheels effectively disconnect the plane from the treadmill. the movement of the plane is relative to the planet they are both sitting on. the treadmill can spin any direction and rate you want it to and will have _no_ effect on the airplane or it's ability to move forward at an increasing rate and eventually generate enough lift to fly. __________________ If you need a straight line, I've usually got a few to spare.

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