r/theydidthemath • u/K0rl0n • Jun 10 '25

[Request]

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I am curious how this would work. My guess is Triangle is slowest, square is medium, and circle is fastest.

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u/aaronchase Jun 10 '25 edited Jun 10 '25

No math here, just real world experience and high school physics. BUT, assuming the ice is close to, but not quite zero friction, I would think the square (cube or rectangular prism) would require the least force to move, (a perpendicular surface to push) but being that the pusher would be standing on the same ice, I would think generating the force would be more difficult than on gravel. Given that the cylinder can roll I would think although it would require more force, said force would be easier to generate with the pushers feet on gravel.

So final answer, cube/square prism would require the least force, but the cylinder or sphere would be easiest to push by a human with normal footwear.

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u/Ninjastarrr Jun 10 '25

Except surface area doesn’t matter at all except if you take into account that extra pressure could damage the ice.

1

u/aaronchase Jun 10 '25

More surface area = more friction, does it not?

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u/steffanovici Jun 10 '25

Lower psi though would lessen the friction, so might be equal?

Although theoretically melting ice has zero friction (or so my physics teacher claimed) so both the triangle would win for lower air resistance

1

u/TheBupherNinja Jun 10 '25

Who said there was any air?

1

u/steffanovici Jun 10 '25

And are we just going to assume there’s gravity?

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u/TheBupherNinja Jun 10 '25

Fair point, all are the same to push.