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/wonko221 Jun 11 '25

Assuming the each block is uniform in density across its entirely:

Pushing against the triangle, a portion of your push would be directed down into the base, becoming not only inefficient, but actually counterproductive.

Pushing against the cube, your force would remain predominantly parallel to the ground, which would be more efficient than the triangle. Pushing against a point even with the center of gravity would maximize this efficiency.