JavaScript is required to use Bungie.net

OffTopic

Surf a Flood of random discussion.
11/5/2013 6:38:15 PM
11

The Airplane-Treadmill problem.

[quote][i]"Imagine an indestructible 747 is sitting on an indestructible conveyor belt, as wide and long as a runway. The conveyor belt is designed to exactly match the speed of the wheels, moving in the opposite direction. Can the plane take off?"[/i] [/quote] I still can't decide what the correct answer is to this (if there even is a correct answer). On one hand the engines will push back the air and thus the plane will move forward and take off. But on the other hand the conveyor belt will spin at the same speed as the wheels so that the plane can't move forward. What do you guys think? Will the plane take off or not?

Posting in language:

 

Play nice. Take a minute to review our Code of Conduct before submitting your post. Cancel Edit Create Fireteam Post

View Entire Topic
  • Edited by A Wild Sceptile: 11/5/2013 6:48:33 PM
    [quote] But on the other hand the conveyor belt will spin at the same speed as the wheels so that the plane can't move forward.[/quote]Shouldn't this only matter if the wheels were the driving force of the jet? They spin freely and aren't connected to any sort of drivetrain, so the thrust from the engines should still be able to push the jet forward.

    Posting in language:

     

    Play nice. Take a minute to review our Code of Conduct before submitting your post. Cancel Edit Create Fireteam Post

    1 Reply
    You are not allowed to view this content.
    ;
    preload icon
    preload icon
    preload icon