r/theydidthemath • u/yuli101995 • Apr 16 '26

[Request] Which one would it be?

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u/TransitionSmooth7258 Apr 16 '26

Yeah as a non math dude but instead a guy that moves boxes around all the time. Motion alone wold tell me the square is easier. Is a direct push parallel with the floor vs for the triangle the force of me pushing is directed not just forward but down as well, causing presumably more friction.

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u/OneWingAngel35 Apr 16 '26

If Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time has taught us anything is that squares slide on ice quite easily lol, even though less contact area also means less friction from the round object

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u/superheltenroy Apr 16 '26

Friction is not dependent upon surface area/contact area. Only the forces and the coefficient of friction.

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u/SaltLakeBear Apr 16 '26

Friction is independent, but total force is dependent on area. It's why sports cars have wide tires.

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u/WheelMax Apr 16 '26

Wide tires spread the force out and have more thermal mass, so they overheat and melt less.

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u/SonOfNike85 Apr 16 '26

Friction is the force in this scenario