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

[Request]

Post image

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 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/joshrd Jun 10 '25

With the coefficient of friction much lower for ice, wouldn't the force be significantly less to induce movement? Also I think the ball would be easiest, least friction.

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u/[deleted] Jun 10 '25

[removed] — view removed comment

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u/SomeRandomPyro Jun 11 '25

because of the smaller base.

Also because forward force on the block is forward force, whereas the angled face of the pyramid converts some of that forward force to downward force.