How does the earths gravitation affect it, is it going to remain stationary, or will the earth move under it? Why?
2006-09-17 05:04:34 · 5 answers · asked by Benji 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
The helicopter is experiencing a constant downwrds pull due to gravity, which is exactly countered by the thrust from its propellors. Since it isn't mentioned in the question, I'm going to disregard any wind currents. Now, the earth will indeed move beneath the helicopter, and since neither the mass centers of the helicopter or the earth are moving perceptibly, the forces will remain constant.
After an hour, the helicopter might move relative to the surface of the earth; however, there will be some accounting for coriolis forces. Roughly speaking, the coriolis force has to do with the resistance of air to follow the earth's rotation. This may cause some disturbance in the equations, but you should observe some motion relative to the surface.
Of course, getting the helicopter to remain perfectly stationary is going to be rathe tricky in and of itself.
2006-09-17 05:20:06 · answer #1 · answered by Argon 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Short answer: The helicopter will be more effected by wind speed and direction than by the earth moving under it.
Long answer: While the helicopter was still on the ground, it was moving at the same speed as the earth relative to some other random reference point in space. When it lifted off, it kept its momentum and will continue to go at that speed plus whatever velocity the force of the rotors have added and whatever force the atmosphere is putting on it, remember, the atmosphere is moving with the earth as well. Given those two forces, along with gravity wanting to pull the helicopter down towards the center of the Earth, there is nothing else to stop that initial momentum the helicopter started out with by being on the Earth.
2006-09-17 05:24:31 · answer #2 · answered by bcookin23 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Theoretically, the earth may move under the helicopter. In practice, the pilot will be making constant adjustments to the controls to maintain the hover. These adjustments will have much more impact than the rotation of the earth.
2006-09-17 06:49:48 · answer #3 · answered by STEVEN F 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
how much gasoline in it?
just being sarcastic, it moves with the atmosphere, so remaining stationary is to move with the earth
2006-09-17 05:06:24 · answer #4 · answered by Voodoo Doll 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes i tink
2006-09-17 05:07:27 · answer #5 · answered by me 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋