2007-09-24 03:29:56 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
From the confusion generated by this question, I have to assume that it is not always the case that they travel at different speeds. It has always been my experience that the handrail moves faster than the foot treads, so that if I hold on to the handrail, my hand is pulled ahead of me. This may be a US thing, I don't know.
I can't think of any reason WHY this would be so. If the handrail and the tread need to make the circuit in the same time, then the handrail would need to move faster since the diameter of the end loops is biffer for the handrail. But I can't see any clear need for this restriction -- it would be a pretty simple matter to gear the two loops separately so they travel at the same speed on the linear portions.
2007-09-24 04:21:55 · answer #1 · answered by dansinger61 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
The length of the handrail is greater than the foot tread so it has to travel faster to do the trip in the same time.
2007-09-24 10:50:23 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
They are travelling at same speed. How you say that handrail is faster.
2007-09-24 10:56:27 · answer #3 · answered by dwarf 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I've never been on one that did. the handrail went at the same speed as the stairs.
2007-09-24 10:38:12 · answer #4 · answered by wendy_da_goodlil_witch 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
because if it travelled slower or at the same speed there would be a greater risk of losing your balance and falling backwards. because it moves faster, if you hold on to it you are being pulled forwards and upwards
2007-09-24 10:35:20 · answer #5 · answered by djessellis 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It has further to travel!
2007-09-24 11:15:31 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
They are on two different tracts that propel then. It is difficult and labor intensive to get them in sink.
2007-09-24 10:42:35 · answer #7 · answered by eric l 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
To keep you upright if you're unstable.
2007-09-24 10:37:25 · answer #8 · answered by Muley Bob 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
they travel together
2007-09-24 10:34:07 · answer #9 · answered by Jeff 4 · 1⤊ 3⤋