Does Walking Transfer Energy to the Ground?

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Berney123
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    Energy Energy transfer
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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on whether walking transfers energy to the ground and the implications of such a transfer, including potential changes in mass or rotational energy of the Earth. It explores concepts related to energy transfer, momentum, and the physics of motion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions if walking transfers energy to the ground and suggests that this could result in a minuscule increase in the Earth's mass due to the equation e=mc².
  • Another participant argues that the ground would not gain mass but could experience a slight change in rotation based on the direction of walking, emphasizing the concept of equal and opposite reactions.
  • A participant seeks clarification on whether energy is still transferred to the ground during walking.
  • It is noted that the momentum transferred to the ground is equal to the momentum gained by the walker, but the energy transferred is significantly less, with most energy going into the walker.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the implications of energy transfer, particularly regarding mass gain and rotational energy. The discussion does not reach a consensus on these points.

Contextual Notes

The discussion involves assumptions about energy transfer and its effects on the Earth, which may depend on specific definitions and interpretations of physical concepts.

Berney123
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When I walk do I transfer energy to the ground via my foot, if so would the ground/earth than gain an extremely small amount of mass because e=mc2
 
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It won't gain mass, but will either gain or lose a tiny bit of rotation (dependent upon the direction in which you're walking). It's more the "equal and opposite reaction" concept than the "e=mc2" one.
 
Thanks but do I still transfer a bit of energy to the ground.
 
Yes, the same amount that it transmits to you. When I wrote "rotation", I was implying "rotational energy". I should have been clearer.
 
Thank you very much.
 
The momentum you transfer to the ground is the same as the momentum that you gain. The energy is different though. The ground only receives a very tiny fraction of the energy. Nearly all of it goes into you.
 

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