- #1
Can we hover and wait for the destination to arrive?
- Thread starter helmi
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In summary, the Earth rotates as one unit, including the atmosphere. This explains why we do not experience a constant 1670 km/h westward wind as the whole planet moves together. From the perspective of people on a plane, it may seem like hovering high enough would allow the ground to rotate underneath and reach their destination, but from the perspective of people on the ground, the plane would be blown away by the constant wind.
- #2
cepheid
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The whole planet rotates, including the atmosphere, as one unit. Not just the solid part.
If this were not the case, then we'd have a constant 1670 km/h westward wind blowing all the time as the whole atmosphere slid past us, which would be pretty ridiculous. From the perspective of people on the plane it sounds reasonable at first. You hover stationary relative to the air while the ground rotates underneath you. But consider the same situation from the perspective of people on the ground. As soon as the plane launches, it gets blown away towards its destination by this tremendous and ever-present wind.
If this were not the case, then we'd have a constant 1670 km/h westward wind blowing all the time as the whole atmosphere slid past us, which would be pretty ridiculous. From the perspective of people on the plane it sounds reasonable at first. You hover stationary relative to the air while the ground rotates underneath you. But consider the same situation from the perspective of people on the ground. As soon as the plane launches, it gets blown away towards its destination by this tremendous and ever-present wind.
- #3
helmi
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cepheid said:
that makes perfect sense, thanks cepheid
Related to Can we hover and wait for the destination to arrive?
1. Can we really hover and wait for the destination to arrive?
Technically, hovering is defined as the process of staying in one place in the air without moving forward or backward. While some objects, such as helicopters, are capable of hovering, it is not possible for humans to do so without the help of technology like hoverboards or jetpacks.
2. How do hovercrafts work?
Hovercrafts use a cushion of air to glide over the surface. The air is forced under the vehicle, creating a layer of high pressure that lifts it off the ground. This allows the hovercraft to move over both land and water without friction, making it a versatile mode of transportation.
3. Is there any technology that allows humans to hover?
Currently, there is no technology that allows humans to hover without the use of external devices. However, there are ongoing research and development in the field of levitation, which could potentially lead to the creation of devices that allow humans to hover in the future.
4. Can we hover and wait for the destination to arrive in space?
In space, there is no air to create the necessary cushion for hovering. However, astronauts can float in a state of microgravity due to the lack of gravity in space. They can use small thrusters to maneuver and move around, but it is not possible to hover and wait for a destination to arrive in the traditional sense.
5. Are there any benefits to hovering instead of walking or driving?
Hovering can be a more efficient mode of transportation in certain situations, such as crossing bodies of water or traversing rough terrain. It also has the potential to reduce carbon emissions as it does not rely on traditional fuels. However, it currently requires specialized technology and may not be practical for everyday use.
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