think about this...

[IndieMatty]

One would think that reading a thread like this, where a riddle is being solved involving such things as physics/math etc would not make me dumber than I already was.

Thanks Ray!

[BOTW]

The plane will take off on a frictionless runway. It will not take off on the conveyor system.

Wheels reduce friction; your conveyor system, in essence, removes the wheels.

[CrazyEyez]

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This scenario is no different than if there was no conveyor runway but instead the breaks were locked on or the wheels were blocked. Sure there is some lift but not enough to take off.

[/ QUOTE ]

No - it's actually more like if the wheels were locked, but the runway was basically frictionless. Or even better - if the plane had no wheels and was just able to hover in the air. And it can certainly take off in those scenarios, right?

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Yes, but I don't see how your original scenario is the same as these last scenarios. I'll go back and reread it. But per your OP, if the plane moves forward through the air, and the wheels are still in contact with the conveyor, then the wheels and conveyor can't be going the same speed, as I see it.

[daryn]

when the fan is plugged in, what happens? will the skateboard move? provide reasoning!

[CrazyEyez]

Damn you. My head is spinning now.

[FouTight]

doubtful, that fan doesn't look very powerful.

if it did move, it would move backwards.

[daryn]

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doubtful, that fan doesn't look very powerful.

if it did move, it would move backwards.

[/ QUOTE ]

pretend it's powerful enough

[Slow Play Ray]

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The plane will take off on a frictionless runway. It will not take off on the conveyor system.

Wheels reduce friction; your conveyor system, in essence, removes the wheels.

[/ QUOTE ]

So then why won't it take off on my conveyor system???

And for simplicity's sake, please neglect the bearing friction and wheel slip for this problem. In other words, just assume that the wheels can keep up with the conveyor at any speed, and vice versa.

[IndieMatty]

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doubtful, that fan doesn't look very powerful.

if it did move, it would move backwards.

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pretend it's powerful enough

[/ QUOTE ]

Can we pretend it runs on batterys too?

[mostsmooth]

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doubtful, that fan doesn't look very powerful.

if it did move, it would move backwards.

[/ QUOTE ]

pretend it's powerful enough

[/ QUOTE ]
i have zero college training, but the forces should balance, no? no movement of the skateboard (assuming the sail and fan are secured to the board)