What Happens When a Motorcycle Exits a Moving Train?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the scenario of a motorcycle exiting a moving train, exploring the physical implications of such an event. Participants consider the effects of velocity, orientation upon landing, and the influence of friction and drag on the motorcycle's motion after it leaves the train.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that if a motorcycle exits a moving train and lands with its wheels perpendicular to the train's velocity, it would likely fall over.
  • Others suggest that if the motorcycle lands parallel to the train's motion, it may begin rolling at a similar velocity, but this is contested.
  • One participant argues that the motorcycle would not maintain the same velocity due to losses from air friction and ground friction once it contacts the ground.
  • A participant shares an anecdote about empty barrels rolling off a truck, suggesting that objects can continue in the direction of their previous motion rather than veering off at right angles.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the orientation of the motorcycle upon landing affects its behavior, but there is no consensus on the exact outcomes regarding velocity and motion after exiting the train. Multiple competing views remain regarding the effects of friction and drag.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge the potential for loss of velocity due to various factors, but specific assumptions and calculations regarding these effects are not fully resolved.

Darkloud
Hello my constituents! Was having a discussion with a coworker of mine and we reached an impasse. If a train is in motion at regular traveling speed, what would happen if a motorcycle were to exit the train while moving? This question presented itself to us in the form of a movie we were watching. Multiple motorcycles exited out of the side doors of the train. My thought is that as soon as the motorcycle hits the ground, it would fall over if the wheels are perpendicular to the trains velocity. If it managed to land parallel, it may begin rolling at the same velocity?

I'd love to hear everyone's thoughts about this because this event has been bugging me for half an hour now.
 
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Darkloud said:
My thought is that as soon as the motorcycle hits the ground, it would fall over if the wheels are perpendicular to the trains velocity. If it managed to land parallel, it may begin rolling at the same velocity?

I believe you are correct. Landing with the wheels perpendicular to the trains direction of motion will result in many tumbling motorcycles.
 
Darkloud said:
If it managed to land parallel, it may begin rolling at the same velocity?

probably not quite the same velocity ... there will be losses caused by ... eg air friction ( drag) and the wheels/ground friction once contact with ground is made
 
Drakkith said:
I believe you are correct. Landing with the wheels perpendicular to the trains direction of motion will result in many tumbling motorcycles.

Thanks! I value your input. Puts my mind at ease a bit.

davenn said:
probably not quite the same velocity ... there will be losses caused by ... eg air friction ( drag) and the wheels/ground friction once contact with ground is made

I did assume their would be loss of velocity, but in general, the momentum would cause the rider to more than likely crash.
 
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I've seen empty barrels slide off a flatbed truck on a curve. When they hit the ground they rolled in the direction they were going in when they left the bed. I had expected them to go off at right angles to the travel of the truck, but this wasn't the case.

They did chase several sailors around the truck park for a few minutes. That met with general approval.
 
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