1. Feb 21, 2007 #1

   verdigris

   

   If I skim a flat stone across a lake will it go further on a calm,flat,water surface or on a surface covered with waves i.e can the pebble pick up momentum from the waves if it travels at the right speed and trajectory?

    

   verdigris, Feb 21, 2007
2. 
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3. Feb 21, 2007 #2

   haiha

   

   May be in the wavy water, the stone can go further. But it is not because the pebble picks up momentum from the wave. In fact it reduces the time the pebble contacts with water. The waves do not contribute any momentum to the stone in horizontal direction.

    

   haiha, Feb 21, 2007
4. Feb 21, 2007 #3

   neutrino

   

   Article related to the topic that might interest you: http://physicsweb.org/articles/world/19/2/6

    

   neutrino, Feb 21, 2007
5. Feb 21, 2007 #4

   verdigris

   

   The researchers on that link have really done some work on skimming stones!

    

   verdigris, Feb 21, 2007
6. Feb 21, 2007 #5

   AlephZero

   

   Science Advisor

   Homework Helper

   They were not the first. This was military high-technology in WWII. See http://www.diggerhistory.info/pages-air-support/ww2-allied/dambusters.htm

    

   AlephZero, Feb 21, 2007

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