The physics of stone skipping
Physics Education
2009-11-07 v1 Condensed Matter
Abstract
The motion of a stone skimming over a water surface is considered. A simplified description of the collisional process of the stone with water is proposed. The maximum number of bounces is estimated by considering both the slowing down of the stone and its angular stability. The conditions for a successful throw are discussed.
Cite
@article{arxiv.physics/0210015,
title = {The physics of stone skipping},
author = {Lyderic Bocquet},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:physics/0210015},
year = {2009}
}
Comments
7 pages, 5 figures (to appear in American Journal of Physics)