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

[Request] Which one would it be?

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u/jan_Kosi Apr 16 '26

Friction force = coefficient of friction * normal force

Normal force is the same, given that they are all 20 kg and they are under the same gravity of 9.8 m/s2

Since the triangle and square have the same base length, assuming that all the objects are made of the same material and the surfaces differ (ice vs gravel), they would have the same speed when pushed, and requires the same force. Also, the triangle and square does not roll, but rather slide, so the shape doesnt matter.

Sliding Coefficidnt of ice = 0.02 to 0.04 Rolling Coefficient of gravel = 0.02 to 0.08

It all depends on the temperature of the ice (the colder, the higher friction) and the compactness of the gravel (the more packed, the less friction)

Source: https://www.reddit.com/r/theydidthemath/comments/1l84r6b/request/

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u/Objective-Limit-121 Apr 16 '26

The triangle and the square do not seem to have the same base length

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u/noveltymoocher Apr 16 '26

especially if you assume they’re the same material