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Secrets of successful stone-skipping.
Christophe Clanet1, Fabien Hersen, Lydéric Bocquet
1Institut de Recherche sur les Phénomènes Hors Equilibre, UMR 6594 du CNRS, BP 146, 13384 Marseille, France. clanet@irphe.univ-mrs.fr
Nature
|January 1, 2004
Summary
Discover the optimal angle for skipping stones to achieve maximum bounces. Research shows a 20-degree angle between the stone and water maximizes skips, enhancing this ancient pastime.
Area of Science:
- Physics
- Fluid Dynamics
- Recreational Mathematics
Background:
- Stone skipping is an ancient pastime with unchanged rules since Greek times.
- The world record for stone skipping is 38 rebounds.
- Previous studies have attempted to analyze the physics of stone skipping.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the physics of stone skipping, focusing on the collision dynamics.
- To determine the optimal angle for maximizing the number of bounces when skipping stones.
Main Methods:
- Monitoring the collision of a spinning disc (representing a skipping stone) with water.
- Analyzing the impact dynamics at various angles.
Main Results:
- An angle of approximately 20 degrees between the stone and water surface is optimal.
- This optimal angle yields the maximum possible number of bounces under observed conditions.
Conclusions:
- The 20-degree angle is crucial for maximizing stone skips.
- Understanding the physics of the stone-water collision can enhance performance in this popular activity.
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