Cause of Feather Movement in 2:56 of Documentary: Explored

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In summary, the conversation discusses the cause of a small movement in the external part of feathers seen in a documentary at minute 2:56. The most likely explanation is residual vibrations from the release mechanism. When the feathers are hanging, internal forces hold them up, but when released, it takes time for these forces to relax, resulting in minor oscillations. It is also mentioned that in a vacuum, there would be no stresses on the feathers and a time lag before any movement is observed. The analogy of a mass hanging on a spring is used to illustrate this concept.
  • #1
NTW
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A small movement of the external part of the feathers can be appreciated In minute 2:56 of this documentary: .

What could be the cause? Perhaps the residual atmosphere?
 
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  • #2
I would say any movement on the feathers would be due to residual vibrations from the release mechanism. When the feathers are hanging, you have internal forces inside them that hold the different parts up. Once released, it takes some time for these forces to relax, leaving minor oscillations in the feathers. That being said, there are hardly any movements at all.

Awesome video though.
 
  • #3
After the feather is released, an upwards motion can be observed in the upper, external sides. Might be due to transmitted vibrations, but looks very similar to air resistance...
 
  • #4
Gravity pulls down on all parts of the feather, making the edges droop. Release the feather in a vacuum and the stresses become zero. Plus it takes some time for the ends of the feather to become unstressed. That is what you see in a vacuum.
Imagine hooking a mass to a spring and hanging it. The spring will be extended. Release the spring and there will be a time lag before the mass begins moving, and only when all of the spring has become un-extended.
 
  • #5
256bits said:
Gravity pulls down on all parts of the feather, making the edges droop. Release the feather in a vacuum and the stresses become zero. Plus it takes some time for the ends of the feather to become unstressed. That is what you see in a vacuum.
Imagine hooking a mass to a spring and hanging it. The spring will be extended. Release the spring and there will be a time lag before the mass begins moving, and only when all of the spring has become un-extended.

Exactly... A friend was telling me, just now, precisely that solution, and I was visualizing it with the mass and the spring...

Thanks...
 
  • #6
No prob.
 

FAQ: Cause of Feather Movement in 2:56 of Documentary: Explored

1. What is the cause of feather movement in the documentary?

The cause of feather movement in the documentary is most likely due to air currents or wind. Feathers are very light and can easily be moved by even the slightest breeze.

2. Can other factors contribute to feather movement besides air currents?

Yes, other factors such as vibrations, physical contact, and even body heat can also cause feather movement. In the documentary, the feathers may have been moved by the movement of the bird or by the person filming.

3. Are there any scientific studies on feather movement in documentaries?

Yes, there have been numerous studies on feather movement in various settings, including documentaries. Scientists use high-speed cameras and other tools to analyze the movement of feathers and understand the underlying causes.

4. How can feather movement help us understand the environment in a documentary?

Feather movement can provide valuable information about the air currents and other environmental factors in a particular setting. By studying feather movement, scientists can gain insights into the climate, wind patterns, and other environmental conditions in a documentary.

5. Is feather movement in documentaries always natural or can it be manipulated?

Feather movement in documentaries can be both natural and manipulated. In some cases, filmmakers may use artificial wind or other techniques to create a desired effect. However, in documentaries that aim to capture natural behavior, feather movement is typically the result of natural factors.

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