The discussion centers on calculating the required edge for a human weighing 50 kg to walk on water, given that an ant weighing 5 mg requires 0.5 mm of edge due to surface tension. Participants clarify that 'edge' refers to the perimeter of the area in contact with the water. The relationship between weight and edge is assumed to be linear, prompting further exploration of how surface tension can support varying weights based on the available edge. The consensus is that surface tension alone cannot support a 50 kg force without sufficient edge.
PREREQUISITESStudents studying physics, particularly those interested in fluid dynamics, as well as educators looking for practical examples of surface tension in action.
Think of 'edge' as the perimeter of an area.rajatgl16 said:CAn you explain meaning of edge, I've never used this term in surface tension problems.
Wouldn't that depend on how much 'edge' you have? (That's the point of the exercise.)And in my view surface tension can't bear 50kg force.