Quote:
Originally Posted by jyl
Use the drive mechanism to hold the weight at 3 o'clock. The reaction force on the wheel will rotate the wheel clockwise and propel the vehicle forward. Relative to the wheel, the weight will be rotating counterclockwise. Relative to the vehicle, the weight will be stationary.
|
I'm gonna jump in with a dumbarrse question. physics=20+yrs ago for me.
If the weight remains at 3 o'clock, it's potential energy is never translated into kinetic energy, therefore it is the imaginary mechanism holding the weight at 3 o'clock and spinning it which is powering the motion. Right? How is gravity relevant in this model?- unless the weight represents the maximum lifting force the imaginary mechanism can apply before the weight itself lifts relative to 3 o'clock