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The wording of the question
varies each time it is discussed.Generally it will read something like the
following:
<blockquote>"A plane is standing on a
conveyor belt.The plane moves in one
direction, while the conveyer moves in the opposite
direction.This conveyor belt matches the
speed of the aeroplane at all times.The
friction between the conveyor belt and the wheels of the plane is
negligible.Will the plane take
off?"</blockquote>
Debate and Opinion
Discussion
of the problem almost invariably results in polarised opinions and lengthy
arguments as to the answer<ref>Discussion of the problem
on the Physorg.com forum.The discussion
stretches to 436 pages as of 6 December 2006[1188]</ref> - people either
resolutely believe the aircraft will take off<ref>[1189] An
explanation of why it WOULD take off.The
Straight Dope. retrieved Dec.8,
2006</ref>, while others believe it won't with equal
conviction.<ref>An explanation of why it WOULD NOT take
off, in the form of a video blog.The responses to the video typify the polarised
opinion on the subject[1190]</ref>
Scientific
Opinion and Analysis
To date, it is not believed that anyone has
tried to recreate this situation in the real world to try and find
the answer.Also, while there is
much discussion of the topic, there is little or no known
scientific analysis by qualified physicists or aerodynamicists as to whether the hypothetical
airplane would take off or not.
Arguments for why the
aircraft WOULD take off
One theory is that while in the air
there are only two forces which have any effect on an aircraft:
pressure and friction with the surrounding gas.
Ground speed is irrelevant.In the real world it is possible, with the right
plane and a fast headwind, to have zero ground speed and stay in
the air.
Arguments for why the aircraft WOULD NOT take
off
The aircraft would remain stationary at all times in the
experiment, which it is believed would prevent air pressure from
building underneath the wings to create the required lift for
takeoff.
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