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do you know what happens to a cable hanging beneath a helicopter as it flies through the air? in 2014, this question sparked a heated debate among physics enthusiasts during the us physics olympiad team qualifying exam. today, we'll explore the physics behind helicopter cables and settle the debate once and for all. let's dive into the world of cables, air friction, and helicopter physics!
the physics debate
in 2014, the us physics olympiad team qualifying exam posed a question that left many scratching their heads. the question asked which of the following diagrams best represented the shape of a perfectly flexible, uniform cable suspended beneath a helicopter flying horizontally at a constant speed. the options were: a. hanging straight down, b. hanging diagonally to the left, c. a hook shape, d. an inverted hook shape, or e. a kind of s bend. the controversy surrounding the correct answer led to a real-world experiment to settle the debate.
the experiment
to put the physics question to rest, a team of experts rented a helicopter and conducted an experiment. they suspended a cable beneath the helicopter and observed its shape as the helicopter flew through the air. the experiment revealed that the correct answer was option d, the inverted hook shape. this shape is caused by air friction acting on the cable as the helicopter moves forward at a constant speed.
understanding the physics
to understand why the cable takes on an inverted hook shape, let's break down the physics behind it. as the helicopter moves forward, air friction acts on the cable, causing it to bend. the cable's weight and the force of air friction create a tension in the cable, resulting in the inverted hook shape. this shape is a result of the cable's attempt to balance the forces acting on it, including its weight and the force of air friction.
cable types and sizes
when discussing cables, it's essential to understand the different types and sizes available. awg wire size chart, vb cable, and awg to mm2 conversion are crucial concepts to grasp. awg (american wire gauge) is a standardized wire gauge system used for measuring the diameter of round, solid, nonferrous, electrically conducting wire. the awg wire size chart provides a reference for wire diameters and their corresponding awg numbers. vb cable, on the other hand, is a type of cable used for transmitting audio and video signals. it's important to note that cables come in various sizes, and understanding the conversion between awg and mm2 can help you choose the right cable for your application.
conclusion
the physics behind helicopter cables is a fascinating subject that combines air friction, cable tension, and the unique shape of the cable. by conducting a real-world experiment, we've settled the debate surrounding the correct shape of a cable suspended beneath a helicopter. understanding cable types, sizes, and the physics behind them can help you make informed decisions when working with cables in various applications. so, the next time you see a helicopter flying overhead, take a closer look at the cable hanging beneath it and appreciate the physics at play!
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