Will the Plane Take-Off - Merged with MythBusters Show Thread
12-12-2007, 09:06 PM
#681
Not Registered
Looks like they didn't even mention anything about the plane on a treadmill. Their Wiki site is getting hammered!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MythBusters
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MythBusters
12-12-2007, 09:22 PM
#683
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what time is this on for PST?
12-12-2007, 11:13 PM
#685
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yea they didn't mention anything about the treadmill airplane thing in the summary of the episode
12-13-2007, 12:35 AM
#687
Senior Moderator
WTF did they show it?
12-13-2007, 02:05 AM
#689
Go Giants
The legend continues....
12-13-2007, 06:47 PM
#691
You want me to break it?
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The quote at the top of the page is inaccurate for one simple reason and it is the reason why we're still arguing - it violates the rules of the question. The question states that the treadmill and the wheels are moving at the same rate in opposite directions (essentially). For the plane to move forward (regardless of where the force is coming from ie pushing on the air vs pushing against the ground) the wheels will, if they are still touching the ground, have to be moving faster than the treadmill thus violating the conditions of the original question. Otherwise, no forward motion-->no airflow over the wings-->no lift. I get that a plane on a treadmill will take off, no problem. But it cannot take off if the question is adhered to as written. Wheels, while in contact with the treadmill, have to be moving faster to have forward motion. I quit.
edit - if the wheels are taken out of the equation (which I don't know how you could do while it's on the ground) then it could take off.
edit - if the wheels are taken out of the equation (which I don't know how you could do while it's on the ground) then it could take off.
Last edited by Gpump; 12-13-2007 at 06:51 PM.
12-13-2007, 06:57 PM
#692
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if the wheels maintain the same speed as the treadmill then in effect the question is asking can a plan takeoff from a standstill. Which would be no. Unless its a harrier or something with vertical takeoff
12-13-2007, 06:57 PM
#693
Originally Posted by mystikk
Wow they didn't show it? Feels like I got blue-balled.
So... I just went through the show on my DVR... nothing about a treadmill. They did 3 myths from the movie Point Break about skydiving, and one about a civilian with no commercial jet experience being able to land a plane (a la Airplane! and other similar movies).
That was it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
12-13-2007, 07:08 PM
#694
Photography Nerd
Originally Posted by Gpump
The quote at the top of the page is inaccurate for one simple reason and it is the reason why we're still arguing - it violates the rules of the question. The question states that the treadmill and the wheels are moving at the same rate in opposite directions (essentially). For the plane to move forward (regardless of where the force is coming from ie pushing on the air vs pushing against the ground) the wheels will, if they are still touching the ground, have to be moving faster than the treadmill thus violating the conditions of the original question. Otherwise, no forward motion-->no airflow over the wings-->no lift. I get that a plane on a treadmill will take off, no problem. But it cannot take off if the question is adhered to as written. Wheels, while in contact with the treadmill, have to be moving faster to have forward motion. I quit.
edit - if the wheels are taken out of the equation (which I don't know how you could do while it's on the ground) then it could take off.
edit - if the wheels are taken out of the equation (which I don't know how you could do while it's on the ground) then it could take off.
The wheels have nothing to do with the question at all.
12-13-2007, 07:13 PM
#695
Senior Moderator
Originally Posted by Dan Martin
You could take the wheels off, put the plane on skis, make the treadmill go twice as fast backwards as the plane can go forwards, and the plane will still take off.
The wheels have nothing to do with the question at all.
The wheels have nothing to do with the question at all.
Do you have any proof to support this insane theory of yours?
I'd like it explained for a 5,000,000,987th time please.
12-13-2007, 07:15 PM
#696
Photography Nerd
Originally Posted by dom
Do you have any proof to support this insane theory of yours?
I'd like it explained for a 5,000,000,987th time please.
I'd like it explained for a 5,000,000,987th time please.
12-13-2007, 08:11 PM
#697
Senior Moderator
Originally Posted by Gpump
The quote at the top of the page is inaccurate for one simple reason and it is the reason why we're still arguing - it violates the rules of the question. The question states that the treadmill and the wheels are moving at the same rate in opposite directions (essentially). For the plane to move forward (regardless of where the force is coming from ie pushing on the air vs pushing against the ground) the wheels will, if they are still touching the ground, have to be moving faster than the treadmill thus violating the conditions of the original question. Otherwise, no forward motion-->no airflow over the wings-->no lift. I get that a plane on a treadmill will take off, no problem. But it cannot take off if the question is adhered to as written. Wheels, while in contact with the treadmill, have to be moving faster to have forward motion. I quit.
edit - if the wheels are taken out of the equation (which I don't know how you could do while it's on the ground) then it could take off.
edit - if the wheels are taken out of the equation (which I don't know how you could do while it's on the ground) then it could take off.
12-13-2007, 09:24 PM
#698
Someone stole "My Garage"
Originally Posted by Gpump
The quote at the top of the page is inaccurate for one simple reason and it is the reason why we're still arguing - it violates the rules of the question. The question states that the treadmill and the wheels are moving at the same rate in opposite directions (essentially). For the plane to move forward (regardless of where the force is coming from ie pushing on the air vs pushing against the ground) the wheels will, if they are still touching the ground, have to be moving faster than the treadmill thus violating the conditions of the original question. Otherwise, no forward motion-->no airflow over the wings-->no lift. I get that a plane on a treadmill will take off, no problem. But it cannot take off if the question is adhered to as written. Wheels, while in contact with the treadmill, have to be moving faster to have forward motion. I quit.
edit - if the wheels are taken out of the equation (which I don't know how you could do while it's on the ground) then it could take off.
edit - if the wheels are taken out of the equation (which I don't know how you could do while it's on the ground) then it could take off.
I HIGHLY suspect that the riddle was/is worded to get people thinking about a planes' method of thrust and of how a conveyor wouldn't affect that method, and was not worded in order to make it impossible to answer. AFAIK, there are no riddles without answers, and no riddles where the answer is "the riddle is broken by nature of its question".
12-14-2007, 02:23 AM
#699
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Originally Posted by Whiskers
The legend continues....
so wild I remember when I thought everyone who thought the plane would take off was an idiot. jeepers i am drunk. the plane will fly!!!
12-14-2007, 02:36 AM
#700
Go Giants
Jeepers is right...
12-14-2007, 02:43 AM
#701
I shoot people
Originally Posted by Bearcat94
BTW: Love >>> Electric (IMHO.
)
12-14-2007, 04:12 AM
#702
I shoot people
I'm so annoyed... I haven't been home so finally tonight, I got to watch the show only to find out that they didn't even do any test/proofs on this whole f-ing thing... yet, all week, I've been telling and emailing everybody I know about this 
12-14-2007, 06:20 AM
#704
This question is phrased all wrong, it is a trick question.
I don't remember what my post/standing/belief was in this thread and uneducated/no degree from Stanford or not, I'll maintain that it won't take off. From what I understand, lift is generated from wind moving over/under the wings isn't it?
Now lets just say the question was modified a bit. Lets say the plane had 100 wheels and each of them had gifuckingnormous brakes powerful enough to keep the plane planted in one spot no matter how powerful the thrust of the engines were capable of. NOW, will the plane take off?
I think the person who came up with this question either knew they were going to trick people and asked it on purpose, or was a complete dumbshit. The paragraph above is what most people think of, probably, that the plane won't move at all, and its impossible to take off without lift. This is true, is it not? And lets just say the third paragraph was the question.... would it take off? Hell no. I know people will say
that wasn't the question, etc. BUT that's how I interpreted the question, not some impossible "1000-feet wide as it is long treadmill that matches the speed of the airplane's wheels" bull.
I'm angry like a kid who just found out Santa doesn't exist... fooled all this time.
I don't remember what my post/standing/belief was in this thread and uneducated/no degree from Stanford or not, I'll maintain that it won't take off. From what I understand, lift is generated from wind moving over/under the wings isn't it?
Now lets just say the question was modified a bit. Lets say the plane had 100 wheels and each of them had gifuckingnormous brakes powerful enough to keep the plane planted in one spot no matter how powerful the thrust of the engines were capable of. NOW, will the plane take off?
I think the person who came up with this question either knew they were going to trick people and asked it on purpose, or was a complete dumbshit. The paragraph above is what most people think of, probably, that the plane won't move at all, and its impossible to take off without lift. This is true, is it not? And lets just say the third paragraph was the question.... would it take off? Hell no. I know people will say
that wasn't the question, etc. BUT that's how I interpreted the question, not some impossible "1000-feet wide as it is long treadmill that matches the speed of the airplane's wheels" bull.I'm angry like a kid who just found out Santa doesn't exist... fooled all this time.
12-14-2007, 06:36 AM
#705
Three Wheelin'
Originally Posted by I Go To Costco
This question is phrased all wrong, it is a trick question.
I don't remember what my post/standing/belief was in this thread and uneducated/no degree from Stanford or not, I'll maintain that it won't take off. From what I understand, lift is generated from wind moving over/under the wings isn't it?
Now lets just say the question was modified a bit. Lets say the plane had 100 wheels and each of them had gifuckingnormous brakes powerful enough to keep the plane planted in one spot no matter how powerful the thrust of the engines were capable of. NOW, will the plane take off?
I think the person who came up with this question either knew they were going to trick people and asked it on purpose, or was a complete dumbshit. The paragraph above is what most people think of, probably, that the plane won't move at all, and its impossible to take off without lift. This is true, is it not? And lets just say the third paragraph was the question.... would it take off? Hell no. I know people will say that wasn't the question, etc. BUT that's how I interpreted the question, not some impossible "1000-feet wide as it is long treadmill that matches the speed of the airplane's wheels" bull.
I'm angry like a kid who just found out Santa doesn't exist... fooled all this time.
I don't remember what my post/standing/belief was in this thread and uneducated/no degree from Stanford or not, I'll maintain that it won't take off. From what I understand, lift is generated from wind moving over/under the wings isn't it?
Now lets just say the question was modified a bit. Lets say the plane had 100 wheels and each of them had gifuckingnormous brakes powerful enough to keep the plane planted in one spot no matter how powerful the thrust of the engines were capable of. NOW, will the plane take off?
I think the person who came up with this question either knew they were going to trick people and asked it on purpose, or was a complete dumbshit. The paragraph above is what most people think of, probably, that the plane won't move at all, and its impossible to take off without lift. This is true, is it not? And lets just say the third paragraph was the question.... would it take off? Hell no. I know people will say
that wasn't the question, etc. BUT that's how I interpreted the question, not some impossible "1000-feet wide as it is long treadmill that matches the speed of the airplane's wheels" bull.I'm angry like a kid who just found out Santa doesn't exist... fooled all this time.
The conveyor belt will not prevent the plane from achieving forward movement. If it achieves rapid enough forward acceleration, the plane will take off.
And Santy Claus DOES exist...
...Doesn't he??
12-14-2007, 08:32 AM
#706
Go Giants
Lets change to title to "Will Mizouse get laid in Vegas"?
12-14-2007, 08:59 AM
#707
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It will fly, you know how i know? I stayed at a Holiday Inn Express last night
12-14-2007, 09:54 AM
#708
I shoot people
so, does that mean you got laid or no? 
12-14-2007, 09:58 AM
#709
Go Giants
Originally Posted by is300eater
so, does that mean you got laid or no?
12-14-2007, 11:26 AM
#712
I shave my change purse
Looks like they are flipping out about the deletion on the discovery forums too
http://community.discovery.com/eve/f...6/m/5841963149
http://community.discovery.com/eve/f...6/m/5841963149
12-14-2007, 11:31 AM
#713
I shave my change purse
Ok reading through the Discovery Forums, I found this from an Executive producer named Dan
"Dear all,
As wbarnhill called out, I thought I should step in to what is rapidly becoming a hornet's nest. I will try to calm things down but I don't hold out much hope!
First up, for those concerned that this story has been cancelled, don't worry, planes on a conveyer belt has been filmed, is spectacular, and will be part of what us Mythbusters refer to as 'episode 97'. Currently that is due to air on January 30th.
Secondly, for those very aggrieved fans feeling "duped" into watching tonight's show, I can only apologise. I'm not sure why the listings / internet advertised that tonight's show contained POCB. I will endeavour to find out an answer but for those conspiracy theorists amongst you, I can assure you that it will have just been an honest mistake. At one point
several months ago, POCB was going to be part of Airplane Hour. Somewhere, someone has mistakenly posted the wrong listing. It will have been a genuine mistake but nonetheless it was a mistake which is unacceptable. As said I will try to find out what went wrong and hope that you will see fit to forgive the team at Discovery.
Thanks in advance,
Dan"
Now we have till Jan 30th to argue some more.
"Dear all,
As wbarnhill called out, I thought I should step in to what is rapidly becoming a hornet's nest. I will try to calm things down but I don't hold out much hope!
First up, for those concerned that this story has been cancelled, don't worry, planes on a conveyer belt has been filmed, is spectacular, and will be part of what us Mythbusters refer to as 'episode 97'. Currently that is due to air on January 30th.
Secondly, for those very aggrieved fans feeling "duped" into watching tonight's show, I can only apologise. I'm not sure why the listings / internet advertised that tonight's show contained POCB. I will endeavour to find out an answer but for those conspiracy theorists amongst you, I can assure you that it will have just been an honest mistake. At one point
several months ago, POCB was going to be part of Airplane Hour. Somewhere, someone has mistakenly posted the wrong listing. It will have been a genuine mistake but nonetheless it was a mistake which is unacceptable. As said I will try to find out what went wrong and hope that you will see fit to forgive the team at Discovery.
Thanks in advance,
Dan"
Now we have till Jan 30th to argue some more.
12-14-2007, 11:47 AM
#714
Screw MythBusters, I can settle this once and for all...
VTOL > treadmill
Case closed.
VTOL > treadmill
Case closed.
12-14-2007, 01:15 PM
#716
Not Registered
Put some f'n wheels on the Space Shuttle, invert a treadmill, turn it on to whatever speed you want to and with the shuttle sitting there, wheel's spinning at 1000 mph, fire the rockets... will the shuttle just sit there because the treadmill won't let it take off? Same principle as a plane/jet- thrust= propulsion through air irrelevant to wheel speed.
12-14-2007, 01:35 PM
#717
Senior Moderator
Originally Posted by Bdog
Put some f'n wheels on the Space Shuttle, invert a treadmill, turn it on to whatever speed you want to and with the shuttle sitting there, wheel's spinning at 1000 mph, fire the rockets... will the shuttle just sit there because the treadmill won't let it take off? Same principle as a plane/jet- thrust= propulsion through air irrelevant to wheel speed.
12-14-2007, 02:02 PM
#718
Big Block go VROOOM!
Originally Posted by srika
oooh nice twist. I just figured it out on my calculator. The shuttle will not move - it will instead, move the Earth out of its orbit.
12-14-2007, 02:08 PM
#719
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Originally Posted by is300eater
so, does that mean you got laid or no?
12-14-2007, 03:16 PM
#720
Senior Moderator
Originally Posted by Billiam
Essentially that same joke is used all the time in Top Fuel drag racing when someone imediately goes up in smoke: We tried to rotate the Earth. It didn't work.
hehe
just some Xmas cheer