How does the train scene in The Wolverine break physics?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the physics of a scene from "The Wolverine," specifically focusing on the realism of Wolverine's jump off a moving train. Participants explore concepts related to momentum, vectors, and the effects of gravity and aerodynamics in this context.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that Wolverine's backward flight after jumping off the train may relate to momentum or vectors, questioning the realism of the motion.
  • Another participant expresses skepticism about the focus on the backward flight, implying that the entire scene violates physical principles.
  • A different participant emphasizes the need to provide equations or calculations to substantiate claims about the scene's realism.
  • One participant points out that Wolverine's jump is rearward rather than forward, indicating a correction in understanding the motion.
  • Another participant proposes that if the train is moving fast enough, Wolverine might utilize aerodynamics to achieve a flatter trajectory than a purely ballistic path, introducing a conditional perspective on the scene's plausibility.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the realism of the scene, with multiple competing views regarding the specific aspects of physics that are violated.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the need for equations and calculations, indicating that some assumptions and mathematical steps may be missing from the discussion.

mrspock
Messages
12
Reaction score
0


I think it may have something to do with momentum or vectors, but I'm not sure? Can you explain to me why Wolverine jumping off the train and then flying several feet backwards in a perfect straight line is unrealistic?
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
That's the part that you find unbelievable?
 
Danger said:
That's the part that you find unbelievable?

Well the whole scene kinda breaks physics in general, but I have to prove why it's unrealistic with equations / calculations.
 
Okay. I'm not going to get into it, but at least phrase the question properly. That jump is rearward, not forward.

edit: I see that you edited your first post to correct that. Good move.
 
Last edited:
mrspock said:
Can you explain to me why Wolverine jumping off the train and then flying several feet backwards in a perfect straight line is unrealistic?
Because gravity. But if the train is fast enough, he might use aerodynamics to fly a path significantly flatter than a purely ballistic one.
 

Similar threads

Graduate Optimizing High Speed Transit for Comfort and Safety: A Scientific Approach
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Undergrad Something about a fly and a train though experiment
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
I need help, please, designing a pool sensor for breaking . . .
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Undergrad Torque and Angular Momentum Vector Question.
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
High School How Does Blackbird Leverage Wind Power to Move Faster Than the Wind?
  • · Replies 69 ·
3
Replies
69
Views
17K
Sandy Hill Plunge: A Lifted Bronco's Free-Fall
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
3K
Studying How to self-study physics past High School Level?
  • · Replies 102 ·
4
Replies
102
Views
9K
Issac Physics 'Three Collisions' High School Homework - Kinematic
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Graduate Hardest physics question/task. No naysayers please Thanks
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
How Do You Calculate the Young's Modulus of Spiderman's Webs from Spiderman 2?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
6K