Physics Debate

[Snattlerake]

The correct answer will be given after 7 days.

You must choose one, you can change your vote, your answers can be viewed by everyone, debate is welcome.
No cheating, and have fun!

 

[Okie4570]

I've watched a YouTube on this before so I'll refrain.

 

[thor447]

Love this. We need more of these!

 

[SoonerP226]

I watched Derek's video, too...

 

[GC7]

Is the end of the cable in contact with a large treadmill on the ground?

 

[dennishoddy]

Too many variables left out.
Air speed of helo?
Wind direction in relationship to helos flight path?
Rope diameter?
Sisal, wire or nylon rope?
Rope construction, braid, twisted?
All the above can determine the outcome.
Watched lots of helicopters flying around trailing cables. They are transporting Geo phones for oil field exploration in bags, then fly back for more with an empty cable.
How can wind friction not be a factor?

 

[SoonerP226]

How can wind friction not be a factor?

Air friction is a factor--the question says it is not negligible.

 

[OK Corgi Rancher]

A lived in a little bowl on the side of a mountain in Colorado. There were lots of comm towers on the mountain. Occasionally a helicopter would fly from my neighbor's property and airlift equipment to the top of the mountain. I recall seeing the rope hanging in a straight line angled to the rear (like B in the diagram) on the return trip.

Aside from that, get much beyond simple arithmetic and I'm lost. I could never even begin to solve this problem mathematically.

 

[Snattlerake]

Too many variables left out.
Air speed of helo?
Wind direction in relationship to helos flight path?
Rope diameter?
Sisal, wire or nylon rope?
Rope construction, braid, twisted?
All the above can determine the outcome.
Watched lots of helicopters flying around trailing cables. They are transporting Geo phones for oil field exploration in bags, then fly back for more with an empty cable.
How can wind friction not be a factor?

Wind friction is a factor and all of the above does not matter in the basic experiment. Speed is relevant to the actual outcome only to the angle but does not affect the shape.

 

[Snattlerake]

Is the end of the cable in contact with a large treadmill on the ground?

No.