How Can You Move Ten Feet Without Motors, Wheels, or Human Propulsion?

  • Thread starter Thread starter micron
  • Start date Start date
AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around a physics problem requiring movement of ten feet without motors, wheels, or human propulsion. Participants suggest various methods, including using soap to reduce friction and creating a "soap boat," while also considering gravity on a steep hill as a potential solution. The conversation humorously explores unconventional ideas like throwing someone into orbit, emphasizing the challenge of adhering to the constraints. Ultimately, the focus remains on finding a simpler solution than constructing a ramp. The challenge highlights creative thinking in physics and problem-solving.
micron
Messages
7
Reaction score
0
My physics teacher presented us with an interesting problem, but I can't think of a resonable solution. The task is to:

Move at least ten feet without the use of a motor, human propulsion or wheels.

I have thought of several ways of solving this problem, but all of them would involve creating complex apparatuses. For example using a ramp and a "sled" with ice or soap on it to reduce friction, but my teacher said that their was a less elablorate way of doing it. She did say that the way she was thinking of involves soap, which I'm guessing is to reduce friction, but she hinted that it was not necesary to use a ramp, so therin lies my problem:

How do you move someone ten feet without using human propultion, motors, or wheels, and with less complication then making a ramp?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
This could be dangerous to your health, but if you are perched on the edge of a roof, the 10 feet of movement becomes pretty danged easy.
 
Throw them in orbit. They'll move a lot more than 10 feet without any added force.

cookiemonster
 
I forgot to mention that the movement must be in the horizontal direction, in other words a straight line measure of ten feet parallel to the ground.
 
I still say throw them in orbit. The "straight line" is a little curved, but it's still always parallel to the ground (in a circular orbit, anyway)!

cookiemonster
 
Thats at least a little bit more ellaborate then creating a ramp, which my teach said is more ellaborate then necessary.
 
Get on a steep hill then roll down. Gravity is propelling you and you are still moving parallel to the ground.
 
Shift your frame of reference to the center of the earth, and you just moved a lot more than 10 feet while you read this.
 
Back
Top