Few puzzles have generated as much debate as this one. The answer seems obvious in one sense, and it also seems obvious in the other way. It is worth stopping before deciding.
The plane and the conveyor belt
Riddle statement
An airplane is on a runway that is, in reality, a conveyor belt. The belt moves rearward and adjusts its speed to match the speed of the plane forward. The airplane's wheels rotate freely and do not propel the device: they only allow it to roll. The air is still relative to the ground and the runway is long enough.
If the pilot accelerates the engines to takeoff power, does the plane take off?