Chaos Posted June 25, 2005 Report Share Posted June 25, 2005 say a bug, like an ant, falls 10 feet to the ground. it never seems like it gets hurt. this distance is large compared to its body size. how come they don't seem to get hurt? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erasmus00 Posted June 25, 2005 Report Share Posted June 25, 2005 say a bug, like an ant, falls 10 feet to the ground. it never seems like it gets hurt. this distance is large compared to its body size. how come they don't seem to get hurt? Comparably low terminal velocity combined with a strong exoskeleton. -Will Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bumab Posted June 25, 2005 Report Share Posted June 25, 2005 F = ma low mass, and low velocity when they hit (relativally) = low force on a strong body Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UncleAl Posted June 25, 2005 Report Share Posted June 25, 2005 Stokes law. Air is viscous for a small objects of low density. That is why goose down gently floats while the same mass of lead as a solid ball falls. Take a strand of dry spaghetti. Break it. Easy! Now try to snap a 1/8" length. Material strength varies as area, r^2; material weight varies as volume, r^3. Small stuff is strong vs. its weight. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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