How if the small RC helicopter Hover but the train is moving?

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    Helicopter Rc Train
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the behavior of a small RC helicopter hovering inside a moving train. Participants explore the implications of the train's constant velocity on the helicopter's motion relative to both the train and an external observer. The scope includes conceptual reasoning and technical explanations regarding motion, forces, and reference frames.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that if the operator is outside the train, the helicopter will appear to move backward relative to the train when hovering.
  • Others argue that if the operator is inside the train, the helicopter will remain stationary with respect to the train due to the shared motion.
  • A participant questions the mechanics of hovering, suggesting that the helicopter's initial momentum and the surrounding air's movement play a role in its position relative to the train.
  • Another point raised is that the helicopter is supported by the air within the train, which moves with the train, thus keeping it in place relative to the train.
  • One participant references Newton's laws, discussing the net forces observed by different observers and how they affect the helicopter's motion.
  • A later reply considers whether the question could apply to other hovering objects, like a helium balloon, indicating a broader inquiry into hovering mechanics.
  • Participants describe two scenarios: one where the train moves at a constant speed and the helicopter hovers, and another where the train starts moving after the helicopter is launched, leading to different outcomes regarding the helicopter's position.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express multiple competing views regarding the helicopter's motion relative to the train and external observers. The discussion remains unresolved, with no consensus on the implications of hovering in a moving train.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include assumptions about the helicopter's hovering mechanism, the effects of air movement, and the initial conditions of the helicopter's launch. The discussion does not resolve how these factors interact in different scenarios.

raviem
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How if the small RC helicopter Hover at inside center of the train . the train is moving constant velocity. will the helicopter moving backward?
 
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If the operator is outside the train and does whatever he does to make it hover with respect to him, then the helicopter will be moving backward relative to the train. But if the operator is inside the train and does the same thing, the helicopter will be stationary with respect to the train.
 
why?
 
RC helicopters go wherever the operator sends them, at least I think that's how they work. Maybe they have inertial guidance systems in them and when you tell them to hover, they stay put relative to the surface of the earth, in which case I'm wrong. Tell me what you know that caused you to ask this question.
 
I think he is asking why the helicopter does not move relative to the train once it is hovering. The difference is the initial momentum the helicopter has before it starts hovering.

From there the momentum of the surrounding air keeps it in place. If you send it out the window it will start moving relative to the train.
 
The helicopter is held up by the air in the train car which is moving along with the car. Therefore, the helicopter moves along with the car.
 
"Objects in motion will remain in motion unless acted upon by an outside force. Objects at rest will remain at rest."

An observer outside the train sees the helicopter in motion. What net force does he observe to act upon it? If he observes no force, then the helicopter will remain in motion with respect to him.

An observer inside the train sees the helicopter at rest. What net force does he observe acting on the helicopter?
 
If the helicopter held up by the air inside the train.The helicopter at rest but the train is moving forward. there are no horizontal force acting below the helicopter. will the helicopter move backward when the train is moving forward? An observer inside the train seen the helicopter is moving backward?
 
Last edited:
Does your question involve the mechanism of how an RC helicopter hovers? Could you have asked the same question about a helium filled balloon that weighs just enough to hover?
 
  • #10
Let say the helicopter is hovers...
 
  • #11
Two cases:

a) Train moving constant speed. Operator in train launches helicopter. It hovers stationary with respect to the car. Operator can't distinguish this from case if train not moving at all. Main factors are simply that the helicopter starts with the same motion as the train (from ground point of view) and is then carried by the air (moving with the train).

b) Train at rest, operator launches helicopter. Train starts to move. Helicopter will hit train wall (most likely). Moving air (relative to ground) not likely to be able to get helicopter accelerating as quickly as the train, so it will hit wall.
 

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