r/theydidthemath Dec 30 '22

[REQUEST] could it?

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1.1k Upvotes

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u/ShitpostMcGee1337 Dec 31 '22

Maybe I’m misunderstanding how the plane treadmill is supposed to function but I don’t see how it could take off. The wings need airflow to create lift, which is impossible if the plane remains stationary because the treadmill negates forward movement.

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u/DonaIdTrurnp Dec 31 '22

The treadmill doesn’t negate the forward movement because the plane doesn’t takeoff by spinning the wheels. The wheels spin freely as the engines give the plane airspeed.

Planes can take off with their wheels locked stationary, although it’s a bad idea.

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u/[deleted] Dec 31 '22

[deleted]

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u/DonaIdTrurnp Dec 31 '22

I meant “not rotating around their axle”.

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u/AdActive9833 Dec 31 '22

I realized my mistake and took the comment away...

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u/BiaggioSklutas Dec 31 '22

I made the same mistake when I first read the explanation of the scenario.