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

  • Thread starter Thread starter Qte
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Helicopter Train
AI Thread Summary
In a moving train, an RC helicopter that takes off will remain in the air relative to the train and not crash into the walls. This is due to Newton's first law of motion, which states that an object in motion stays in motion unless acted upon by an external force. The helicopter, like a passenger in a moving vehicle, is moving at the same speed as the train, so it maintains its position relative to the train's interior. The discussion emphasizes the concept of relative motion and frames of reference, illustrating that the helicopter's behavior is similar to that of a person jumping in an airplane. Overall, the helicopter will not crash against the wall as long as no external forces act on it.
Qte
Messages
2
Reaction score
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 ?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
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?"
 

Similar threads

Helicopter Flight and Jet Pack Adventure
Replies
15
Views
8K
B RC Helicopter in a Train (Forces)
Replies
6
Views
6K
1-D Kinematics Problem/Free Fall. A helicopter carrying Dr. Evil
Replies
1
Views
13K
Dr Evil( Straight line motion)
Replies
4
Views
3K
Helicopter Physics: Solving the Time of Release Problem
Replies
1
Views
4K
Does Dumping Coal into a Moving Train Affect Its Velocity?
Replies
5
Views
2K
Kinematic problem: VERY complicated
Replies
3
Views
4K
Doppler Effect: Velocity of a train
Replies
4
Views
2K
Solve Dr. Evil Problem: Austin Powers & Jetpack
Replies
1
Views
3K
What Forces Act on a Train Engine Going Around a Circular Curve?
Replies
10
Views
3K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top