How a human can swim like a dolphin

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the possibility of humans swimming like dolphins, specifically focusing on how a human can leap from the water similar to a dolphin. Participants explore the physics involved, including buoyancy and velocity, and consider the role of equipment like flippers and buoyancy aids.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that buoyancy and velocity are key factors for a human to leap from the water, comparing it to a water polo ball or a whale.
  • Another participant notes that while it is possible for humans to swim like dolphins, they are generally not very fast swimmers without assistance.
  • References to xkcd are mentioned as having explored the idea further, indicating that there may be additional insights or humor related to the topic.
  • A participant expresses excitement about a specific move demonstrated in a linked video, comparing it to dolphin-like behavior.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants acknowledge the possibility of humans swimming like dolphins, but there is no consensus on the effectiveness or practicality of achieving this without assistance, and the discussion remains exploratory.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not provided specific formulas or detailed physics analyses, and the discussion lacks definitive conclusions about the mechanics involved.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in biomechanics, swimming techniques, or the physics of movement in water may find this discussion relevant.

soundsgood
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Particularly how can a human leap from the water like a dolphin.
I'm guessing buoyancy and velocity are the main factors involved here, like a water polo ball pushed under will spring out no problem.
Or a whale given enough velocity.
A dolphin can dive deeper and quicker than humans and therefore swim up faster, but there has to be a point at which a human can do it, with the aid of flippers and buoyancy aids perhaps?
But it's the physics, the formula that would give me the specifics that I'm after.
Someone must have thought of this before, anyone?
 
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It is possible, but without active help humans are just not very fast swimmers.
xkcd explored that idea, including various references.
 
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mfb said:
It is possible, but without active help humans are just not very fast swimmers.
xkcd explored that idea, including various references.
Very cool :biggrin: From mfb's link:

 
berkeman said:
Very cool :biggrin: From mfb's link:



That move he made before jumping was the closest thing to a fish that I have ever seen from a human. :oldeek::oldeek:
 

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