- #1
Kitkatje
- 5
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I'm hoping someone can help me. I have only a rudimentary knowledge of physics, but have strong scientific instincts, as well as a background in science, but not physics.
Our rowing team recently has engaged in a debate about the distribution of a load while carrying a heavy rowing scull (about 60 feet long and weighs over 250 pounds).
Currently, the way we carry is to have four tall people in one end, and four small people in the other. Sometimes the height difference is over 24 inches. When the boat is carried tilting down due to height differences, it feels as if the boat is heavier in the lower end. Initially we used the method of every tall person spread out along the boat, but they end up carrying a heavier load because the boat sits on their shoulders, and the shorter teammates carry less, because the shorter team members are essentially unable to fully assist as the boat is above their shoulders.
Thus, we changed to the current method, grouping together to spread the load. This works well only when everyone is similar in height. Spreading out along the boat evenly results in more load on each individual. A few members think the load distribution is "even" when the boat is tilting downwards, and their explanation is "gravity is gravity" (they probably never studied physics). Anyways, it sure feels heavier for those of use in the short category.
Additionally, my thoughts are that if I'm carrying 50 lbs and I weigh 110, proportionally my load is heavier than a 280 pound person carrying 50 lbs.
How do I explain the difference in load in a way the average person could understand, and come up with an equitable solution for load distribution for the team going forward?
Any help is sincerely appreciated.
Thanks!
Kate
Our rowing team recently has engaged in a debate about the distribution of a load while carrying a heavy rowing scull (about 60 feet long and weighs over 250 pounds).
Currently, the way we carry is to have four tall people in one end, and four small people in the other. Sometimes the height difference is over 24 inches. When the boat is carried tilting down due to height differences, it feels as if the boat is heavier in the lower end. Initially we used the method of every tall person spread out along the boat, but they end up carrying a heavier load because the boat sits on their shoulders, and the shorter teammates carry less, because the shorter team members are essentially unable to fully assist as the boat is above their shoulders.
Thus, we changed to the current method, grouping together to spread the load. This works well only when everyone is similar in height. Spreading out along the boat evenly results in more load on each individual. A few members think the load distribution is "even" when the boat is tilting downwards, and their explanation is "gravity is gravity" (they probably never studied physics). Anyways, it sure feels heavier for those of use in the short category.
Additionally, my thoughts are that if I'm carrying 50 lbs and I weigh 110, proportionally my load is heavier than a 280 pound person carrying 50 lbs.
How do I explain the difference in load in a way the average person could understand, and come up with an equitable solution for load distribution for the team going forward?
Any help is sincerely appreciated.
Thanks!
Kate