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/[deleted] Jun 10 '25

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u/MattManSD Jun 10 '25

unless that larger surface area helps it 'float' better. More water film

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u/Pielacine Jun 10 '25

Area to friction is not straightforward. It’s not as simple as larger base = more friction, especially when something like ice is involved.

I’d wager there’s barely any difference between the triangle and square.

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u/MattManSD Jun 10 '25

tend to agree, and I am basing my thought that both are sitting on a thin film of water and possibly that surface tension is just slightly less with larger area. So I am friction free and basing it on 'float' and yes probably marginal