If you were shrunk to the height of a nickel …

Physics Questions

If you were shrunk to the height of a nickel and thrown into a blender with the blades starting in 60 seconds, what would you do?

Short Answer

To escape the blender after being shrunk, understand your decreased weight and how to leverage it for a jump. Strategically prepare within 60 seconds by positioning yourself, generating upward speed, and using the blender’s edges, then execute a powerful jump at the right moment to clear the sides and escape.

Step-by-Step Solution

Step 1: Understand Your New Proportions

After being shrunk to the height of a nickel, your weight has significantly decreased, affecting how you interact with the blender. This scenario is dictated by the square-cube law, which states that as an object’s size increases, its volume grows faster than its surface area. As a result, you’re now much lighter, which means the normal force acting on you is much less exerted compared to the friction force holding you in place.

Step 2: Prepare for Your Jump

To escape the blender, timing is crucial. You have 60 seconds before the blades start moving. Consider the following strategies to maximize your jump:

  • Position yourself strategically in the blender.
  • Focus on generating as much upward speed as possible.
  • Use your small size to exploit any gaps or edges in the blender.

Step 3: Execute Your Escape

With the preparation done, it’s time to jump. Given your new lightweight nature, you can achieve significant height quickly. The goal is to leap before the blades start spinning. Follow these tactics to ensure success:

  • Launch upward with maximum force to clear the blender’s sides.
  • Monitor the remaining time closely to time your jump perfectly.
  • Aim for the edges rather than the center to improve your chances of escape.

Related Concepts

Weight

The measure of the force exerted on an object due to gravity, which affects how that object interacts with its environment

Square-Cube Law

A principle that explains how as an object’s size increases, its volume increases faster than its surface area, impacting its physical properties and behavior

Normal Force

The support force exerted by a surface perpendicular to the object resting on it, which changes in relation to the object’s weight and position.

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