Helicopter in a Moving Train: Will it Crash or Stay in the Air?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a thought experiment involving a helicopter taking off inside a moving train. Participants are exploring the implications of motion and reference frames in relation to Newton's laws of motion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are considering the effects of relative motion on the helicopter's behavior, questioning whether it will remain airborne or crash into the walls of the train. Some are drawing parallels to similar scenarios involving airplanes and relative motion.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with various perspectives being shared. Some participants are providing reasoning based on Newton's first law, while others are challenging assumptions about motion and reference frames. No consensus has been reached yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants are examining the effects of different reference frames and the behavior of objects in motion, with some noting the importance of air movement within the train. There are also considerations about the implications of extreme speeds in hypothetical scenarios.

Qte
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Hi,

Can someone help me out on this one ...

A train is driving from one point to another at a constant speed.
In the gangway of this closed train we let a RC-helicopter take off from the ground.

What will happen with the helicopter, will he stay in the air near us or will he crash against the wall ?

Can you also explain why ?
 
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Oh come on. You know the answer to this.
 
Tell us what you think!
 
I think he will stay in the air.

Why ? Don't know ... because he isn't slowed down ?
First law of Newton ?
 
consider a similar situation:

A train is motionless, however it's surroundings are moving backwards (relative to the train) at 40000 mph. If an R/C helicopter was to lift off inside the stationary train, what would happen to it? Doesn't seem very likely that it would crash into anything now would it?

Just remember that all reference frames are relative
 
When someone gets up into the aisle on an airplane, do they fly to the back? If you want to say they don't cause their feet are planted, do you think that your feet can resist a 500mph push?
 
What happens to the AIR in the train?
 
It's like saying, "If I'm in an airplane. Will I be smashed against the tail if I'm in the middle and jump up?"
 

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