Discover the Science Behind Floating Logs: Exploring Opposite Direction Movement

[Fusilli_Jerry89]

Homework Statement

When you walk along a floting log in water, why does it move in the opposite direction?

Is it because of the friction from you walking pushes the log in the opposite direction, or is there something else?

 

[marlon]

Is it because of the friction from you walking pushes the log in the opposite direction, or is there something else?

Well obviously there must be some connection, no ?

You need to investigate a whole lot deeper. Your explanation is not really "what doing physics is all about", wouldn't you say ?

GENERAL HINTS :

1) think of conservation of ... (energy, "linear" momentum, etc etc)
2) what changes in the log's initial state as you walk on it (the answer is in my answer) ?

marlon

 

[kyle8921]

I would like to provide a thorough explanation for the phenomenon of opposite direction movement of floating logs. This phenomenon can be explained by the principles of Newton's third law of motion, which states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

In this case, when you walk on a floating log in water, your feet push against the log in one direction, and the log pushes back with an equal force in the opposite direction. This results in the log moving in the opposite direction to your movement.

Additionally, the surface tension of the water also plays a role in this phenomenon. When you walk on the log, you disturb the water around it, causing a decrease in surface tension. This decrease in surface tension creates a gradient of force, with the strongest force acting in the opposite direction of your movement. This force acts on the log, causing it to move in the opposite direction.

Moreover, the shape and weight distribution of the log also contribute to its movement. A log with a wider and flatter surface area will experience more resistance from the water, resulting in a slower movement in the opposite direction. On the other hand, a log with a smaller surface area and more weight concentrated at one end will experience less resistance and move faster in the opposite direction.

In conclusion, the phenomenon of opposite direction movement of floating logs can be attributed to a combination of Newton's third law of motion, surface tension of water, and the physical properties of the log. Further research and experimentation can provide a more detailed understanding of this phenomenon and its applications in various fields, such as fluid dynamics and engineering.