Question on Laws of Motion observed in Real Life

In summary, the conversation discusses the observation that a heavier boy on a water slide travels farther than a lighter boy, despite the fact that the frictional force should be greater for the heavier boy. It is suggested that other forces, such as air resistance or fluid resistance from the water, may be at play. The use of different mats or clothing can also affect the terminal speed. The laws of motion predict the same acceleration and final speed for both boys, but in practical situations, other factors can greatly influence the outcome.
  • #1
rajumahtora
18
0
When I had a school tour to A water park, there I observed that when a heavy boy used to slide down a water slide(and stop at β), he used to go further than where the ligher boy used to stop after sliding(α).
But the friction will act more on Heavier then why is he going further?
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  • #2
Assuming both the heavy boy and lighter boy are moving with the same velocity, I think its probably because the heavy boy will have more momentum than the lighter boy, p=mv, thus as compared to the lighter boy more friction will be required to stop the heavy boy.Therefore he travels farther.
 
  • #3
rajumahtora said:
But the friction will act more on Heavier then why is he going further?

You're right about the frictional force: It's proportional to the normal force between boy and slide, and that's proportional to the weight so should stop them both at the same point.

That's not what you've observed, so you have to conclude that there is some other force at work as well, one that is not proportional to the weight so Heavy's momentum will carry him farther against that force. Air resistance is a good candidate, and on a water slide fluid resistance from the water is also possible.
 
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  • #4
Was the light boy wearing a pool shirt and the heavy boy not wearing a pool shirt? This has a big frictional effect on water slides if the people are lying down.
 
  • #5
Your terminal speed will depend upon the resultant of your weight force and the resistance forces. The larger boy will have much greater weight force but very similar resistance forces. There are other factors at work when they use different mats or clothing or learn the speed technique of holding their body in the optimum shape.

The simple laws of motion assume no friction so they predict the same acceleration and final speed for both boys. Taken to extremes, in a practical situation, the terminal velocity of a mouse, falling through air, is low enough for it to be thrown off the Empire State Building and for it to walk away from the experience. Unlike the situation for an elephant. (Not Dumbo, of course)
 

FAQ: Question on Laws of Motion observed in Real Life

How do laws of motion apply to everyday life?

The laws of motion, also known as Newton's laws, apply to everyday life in various ways. For example, the first law states that an object will remain at rest or in uniform motion unless acted upon by an external force. This can be observed when a car comes to a stop when the brakes are applied. The second law states that the acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net force acting on it and inversely proportional to its mass. This can be seen when pushing a shopping cart with a heavier load requires more force to accelerate it. The third law states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. This can be observed when a person jumps off a diving board and the board propels them upwards.

How does friction affect motion in real life?

Friction, which is the force that resists motion between two surfaces in contact, affects motion in real life in many ways. It can slow down or stop an object from moving, such as when applying brakes to a car. It can also help objects to stay in place, such as when walking on the ground. Additionally, friction can cause wear and tear on objects, such as the soles of shoes wearing down from walking on rough surfaces.

How do forces impact the motion of objects?

Forces have a significant impact on the motion of objects. They can cause an object to start moving, stop moving, or change direction. The magnitude and direction of the force can also affect the speed and acceleration of an object. For example, a strong force applied in the same direction as an object's motion will cause it to speed up, while a force applied in the opposite direction will cause it to slow down.

How does inertia play a role in everyday life?

Inertia, which is the tendency of an object to resist changes in its state of motion, plays a role in everyday life in various ways. It explains why objects tend to stay at rest or in motion unless acted upon by an external force. For example, it is why a book on a table will stay in place unless someone picks it up or why a moving car will continue to move unless the brakes are applied. Inertia also explains why it is easier to keep an object in motion once it has started moving.

How do Newton's laws of motion explain the behavior of objects?

Newton's laws of motion provide a framework for understanding the behavior of objects in motion. The first law explains the concept of inertia, the second law explains the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration, and the third law explains how forces always occur in pairs. Together, these laws can be used to predict and explain the motion of objects in various situations, such as a ball rolling down a hill or a rocket launching into space.

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