- Skimming-the-Surface-0.mp3
- Skimming-the-Surface-0.mp4
- Skimming-the-Surface-I.mp3
- Skimming-the-Surface-I.mp4
- Skimming-the-Surface-brave-beginning.mp3
[Intro]
[Instrumental, Guitar Solo]
Do you know…
A sidearm throw?
[Verse 1]
Angular momentum
Hits me again (and again)
The initial velocity
(Really moves me)
Do you know…
(A sidearm throw?)
[Chorus]
The story (of a trajectory)
That’s come to me (to be)
The purpose (of skimming… the surface)
In all reality (plain to see)
[Bridge]
Drag and resistance
(Bound to slow me down)
Spin and persistence
(Turn me round n’ round)
At the cost (of energy lost)
[Verse 2]
Mass and size (may jeopardize)
… cause an early demise
Drag, drag (dragging me down)
Stop me spinning (round and round)
[Break]
(So…)
Do you know…
(A sidearm throw?)
Let me go!
[Chorus]
The story (of a trajectory)
That’s come to me (to be)
The purpose (of skimming… the surface)
In all reality (plain to see)
[Bridge]
Drag and resistance
(Bound to slow me down)
Spin and persistence
(Turn me round n’ round)
At the cost (of energy lost)
[Break]
(So…)
Do you know…
(A sidearm throw?)
Let me go!
[Chorus]
The story (of a trajectory)
That’s come to me (to be)
The purpose (of skimming… the surface)
In all reality (plain to see)
(So…)
[Outro]
Do you know…
(A sidearm throw?)
Let me go!
A SCIENCE NOTE
The physics of skimming a stone across a pond involves a combination of angular momentum, hydrodynamics, and Newton’s laws of motion. Here’s a breakdown of the key principles:
1. Initial Velocity and Angle of Release
- Speed: The stone must be thrown with sufficient velocity. Higher speed increases the force of each impact with the water, providing the energy needed for multiple skips.
- Angle: The stone should ideally hit the water at a shallow angle, around 20 degrees. This minimizes the energy lost to the water and helps the stone maintain forward motion.
2. Spin for Stability
- Angular Momentum: Spinning the stone stabilizes its trajectory, much like a gyroscope. This helps the stone resist tilting or tumbling, which would cause it to sink.
3. Stone Shape
- Flatness: A flatter stone creates a broader contact area with the water, increasing the lift generated by each impact and reducing the likelihood of it diving into the water.
- Mass and Size: The stone should be heavy enough to carry momentum but not so heavy that it sinks upon contact.
4. Impact Dynamics
- Hydrodynamic Lift: When the stone hits the water, it creates a cushion of air and water beneath it. This generates lift, allowing the stone to rebound off the surface.
- Energy Loss: Each skip loses some energy due to drag and the impact. The stone eventually slows down and sinks when it no longer has enough energy to overcome the forces acting against it.
5. Drag and Resistance
- Water Drag: The force of water resistance slows the stone down with each skip.
- Air Drag: While in the air, the stone also experiences air resistance, reducing its velocity between skips.
6. Trajectory
- The path of the stone forms a series of diminishing parabolas. Each skip is shorter and lower than the previous one due to energy losses.
Practical Tips:
- Throwing Technique: A sidearm throw is typically used to impart both spin and forward velocity.
- Ideal Conditions: Calm water and a smooth, flat stone increase the chances of multiple skips.
These principles are grounded in physics concepts such as conservation of energy, angular momentum, and fluid mechanics. Research in stone-skimming physics has even been formalized in studies exploring optimal angles and velocities.