Werid physics question

Evan · #1 08-09-2006, 10:58 AM

There is a pit full of those little red straws people use to stir coffee,like these:

Let's say the pit is very deep, like 100ft, so you can't get anywhere near the bottomw without being pretty effed. The walls are made of teflon, so trying to grab them is useless.

Let's say you are thrown into/jump into this pit from 10 ft. above the level of the straws. What would happen?

Would you sink? Could you doggy paddle/swim? Would it support your body weight enough to not make you fall in at all?

I had a dream about this last night and I don't remember what happened after I jumped in, but I'd really like to know. Thanks.

NLSoldier · #2 08-09-2006, 11:01 AM

Evan,

my guess is that anyone under 4 ft tall would prob be [censored]. sorry bro [img]/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]

Frills · #3 08-09-2006, 11:05 AM

you'd need to grow very quickly, contact Bonds for some hormones asap

Evan · #4 08-09-2006, 11:06 AM

[ QUOTE ]
Evan,

my guess is that anyone under 4 ft tall would prob be [censored]. sorry bro [img]/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]

[/ QUOTE ]
I will not reply with likeminded insults, but you know how I feel about you.

Frills · #5 08-09-2006, 11:07 AM

I think it would be similar to the scene with the needles in Saw 2 you wouldn't sink

Evenkeal · #6 08-09-2006, 11:08 AM

Barring some specific alignment of the straws that is favorable to you falling, in general you will not fall, because when your feet pushes down on the top layer of straws, it pushes down on more straws (not so much air.), which eventually pushes down on the floor. As long as the floor is supporting most of your weight, you are fine.

ps. i am not an expert ; this is not scientific in anyway

bobman0330 · #7 08-09-2006, 11:10 AM

I think you'd sink some, but not more than 5-10 feet. I put your chances of escaping at close to 50/50.

punkass · #8 08-09-2006, 11:13 AM

I think if the straws are all aligned one way (all parallel), you're screwed.

If it's just totally random, then you have a chance that you won't sink to a weird death of slow starvation/boredom.

Best bet, spread out your hands and legs to cover the most area. Like you're body-surfing a crowd. Try to inch toward the edge.

Mark L · #9 08-09-2006, 11:18 AM

how was the pit filled? that's extremely important.

punkass · #10 08-09-2006, 11:20 AM

[ QUOTE ]
I think if the straws are all aligned one way (all parallel), you're screwed.

If it's just totally random, then you have a chance that you won't sink to a weird death of slow starvation/boredom.

Best bet, spread out your hands and legs to cover the most area. Like you're body-surfing a crowd. Try to inch toward the edge.

[/ QUOTE ]

I'm beginning to think that even if it is all parallel, the spread eagle approach may work.