4 ms·
The problem with this explanation, at least to me, is that it doesn't require any wind at all. Why not just give it a push in still air and have to take off int
by pkulak 5y ago
The problem with this explanation, at least to me, is that it doesn't require any wind at all. Why not just give it a push in still air and have to take off into the distance forever?
EDIT: I think it's clicking. It's because the air and the ground are moving relative to the craft at different speeds. So if the ground and air were still, there would be no speed difference to draw energy from.
- tshaddox 5y agoWhy would you consider those two scenarios analogous? In one scenario, the wind is “giving it a push” constantly, and in the other scenario, you’re giving it a push for only a brief moment.
- DarmokJalad1701 5y agoWhen it is moving faster than the wind, is the wind still giving it a push?
- tshaddox 5y agoAbsolutely. If the wind stops, the vehicle will soon roll to a stop as well. It's not a perpetual motion machine.
- munchler 5y agoRight. This mechanism doesn’t actually require wind. You get the same effect by placing the vehicle on a treadmill in a windless room: It will move forward on the treadmill.