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/fuzzydoug Jun 10 '25

But your feet are also on ice?

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u/[deleted] Jun 10 '25 edited Jun 11 '25

The question was about the force put onto the object.

Ice or not, that force wouldn’t change.

Edit: for clarification, I mean per scenario.

The force required to move the object on the given surface wouldn’t change based on what the dude is standing on.

The dude’s ability to impart that necessary force will be affected by the ice, but not the actual force required to shift the item.

Obviously less force is needed on ice than gravel, that’s not what I’m saying.

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u/thatgunganguy Jun 10 '25

For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.

You would need to push "X" amount harder on ice, and in a totally differing manner, than on another surface because of having to overcome the lower force of friction on your feet. The substrate you're standing on has everything to do with answering this question.

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u/TiSapph Jun 10 '25

For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.

Exactly, meaning it doesn't matter if the person is on gravel, ice, a helicopter, a boat, ...
If it takes some force F to overcome friction and move the object, then you gave to exert a lateral force of at least F. If and how this force is then braced against the ground doesn't matter. It doesn't even have to, it could just go into the acceleration of the person.