Why Do Floating Logs Move in the Opposite Direction When You Walk on Them?

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When walking on a floating log, it moves in the opposite direction due to the conservation of momentum. As a person steps forward, they exert a force on the log, causing it to move backward. This interaction highlights the principles of physics, particularly the conservation of linear momentum. The initial state of the log changes as the person applies force, resulting in the log's movement. Understanding these concepts is essential for grasping the underlying physics of the situation.
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Homework Statement


When you walk along a floting log in water, why does it move in the opposite direction?

Is it because of the friction from you walking pushes the log in the opposite direction, or is there something else?
 
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Fusilli_Jerry89 said:
Is it because of the friction from you walking pushes the log in the opposite direction, or is there something else?
Well obviously there must be some connection, no ?

You need to investigate a whole lot deeper. Your explanation is not really "what doing physics is all about", wouldn't you say ?

GENERAL HINTS :

1) think of conservation of ... (energy, "linear" momentum, etc etc)
2) what changes in the log's initial state as you walk on it (the answer is in my answer) ?

marlon
 

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