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

In summary, the conversation discusses the outcome of an RC-helicopter taking off inside a moving train. There is a debate about whether the helicopter will stay in the air or crash against the wall. Some participants mention the first law of Newton and the concept of reference frames, while others use analogies such as being on a stationary airplane. The conclusion is that the helicopter will most likely stay in the air due to the principles of physics.
  • #1
Qte
2
0
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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  • #2
Oh come on. You know the answer to this.
 
  • #3
Tell us what you think!
 
  • #4
I think he will stay in the air.

Why ? Don't know ... because he isn't slowed down ?
First law of Newton ?
 
  • #5
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
 
  • #6
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?
 
  • #7
What happens to the AIR in the train?
 
  • #8
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?"
 

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

What is "The helicopter in the train"?

"The helicopter in the train" is a conceptual scenario used in physics to demonstrate the principles of relative motion and reference frames.

How does the helicopter stay in the air while the train is moving?

The helicopter stays in the air due to its own propulsion and lift mechanisms, which are not affected by the movement of the train. From the perspective of someone on the train, the helicopter appears to be moving with the train, but from an outside observer's perspective, the helicopter maintains its position in the air.

Why does the helicopter appear to be moving backwards when viewed from the train?

This is an illusion caused by the relative motion between the train and the helicopter. From the perspective of someone on the train, the helicopter is moving backwards because the train is moving forward faster than the helicopter. However, from the perspective of an outside observer, the helicopter is still moving in the same direction as the train.

What is the significance of the helicopter in the train scenario?

This scenario helps to illustrate the concept of reference frames, which are used to describe the motion of an object relative to another object or observer. It also demonstrates the idea that motion is relative and can be perceived differently depending on the frame of reference.

Can this scenario be applied to real-life situations?

Yes, the principles demonstrated in the helicopter in the train scenario can be applied to real-life situations, such as an airplane flying in the air while the Earth is rotating. It also applies to situations where two objects are moving at different speeds, such as a car passing by a stationary object.

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