Thanks to Galilean relativity it should be just as hard to run on an inclined treadmill as it is to run on a hill of the same incline. But you don't gain gravitational potential energy on a treadmill, so can it really be true?
summerizer
Steve Mould explores whether running on an incline treadmill is as taxing as running up an actual hill of the same incline. Through reasoning and experiments, he investigates the energy expenditure involved in both activities, ultimately discovering that while the treadmill might initially seem easier, empirical results show that running uphill on a ramp requires slightly more energy than on a treadmill, accounting for various factors including air resistance and friction.
Key Points
Theoretical Considerations
Steve discusses the theory behind the energy expenditure of running on an incline treadmill versus running up a hill, questioning whether the lack of vertical lifting on the treadmill reduces the difficulty.
Galilean Relativity Argument
He uses Galilean relativity to defend the idea that running on a treadmill should feel just as hard as running on level ground, as the two scenarios, in terms of energy expenditure, are comparable.
Experiments Setup
To test the theory, Steve partnered with Jared Rebo to create a vehicle that could measure energy consumption while running either on a treadmill or uphill. They built a robot to gather quantitative data under controlled conditions.
Results Analysis
The tests revealed that going uphill on a ramp used about 10 watts of power, while running on an incline treadmill used about 9 watts, indicating the ramp is slightly more challenging.
Factors Influencing Results
Steve considers factors like air resistance and wheel slippage that may contribute to the difference in energy required, suggesting they need to conduct further experiments to refine the data.
Open-Mindedness and Empathy
Reflecting on the importance of being open-minded, Steve draws parallels between scientific understanding and the beliefs held by certain groups (like flat earthers) to emphasize the need for empathy in discussions about differing viewpoints.