Scientific question about 'The Incredibles'

Sooga · #1 03-28-2005, 10:08 PM

Ok, so those of you that have seen 'The Incredibles' knows about the boy's character, Dash. He runs so fast that he can run over water. My question is, is that physically possible? And if so, about how fast would you have to run to accomplish something like that?

pshreck · #2 03-28-2005, 10:10 PM

Jesus Christ Lizard.

So, yes, but I dont know the math behind it.

b0000000000m · #3 03-28-2005, 10:11 PM

It's apparently more about factors other than speed. We would need much larger feet, for one.

Sooga · #4 03-28-2005, 10:16 PM

Well that's what I'm asking. Given a physically 'normal' human being, and speed being the ONLY factor, is it physically possible to run over water?

Bluffoon · #5 03-28-2005, 10:24 PM

Im pretty sure superman can do this too.

b0000000000m · #6 03-28-2005, 10:29 PM

The articles strongly imply, but do not explicitly state that it would be impossible without much larger feet.

ethan · #7 03-28-2005, 10:50 PM

The human weight/foot size/speed combination isn't going to let you run over water. If somehow a person could run 500mph or so then yes, it'd be possible. The water will provide you some support, but a normal person's running stride requires too much for too long.

Duke · #8 03-28-2005, 11:03 PM

[ QUOTE ]
The human weight/foot size/speed combination isn't going to let you run over water. If somehow a person could run 500mph or so then yes, it'd be possible. The water will provide you some support, but a normal person's running stride requires too much for too long.

[/ QUOTE ]

What was all that one in a million talk?

But yeah, I believe that this is the first piece of a post that understands the question. For the others, we're assuming infinite speed/endurance/whatever, just a normal foot and normal weight.

At least that's what I think the question is.

~D

Chairman Wood · #9 03-28-2005, 11:04 PM

[ QUOTE ]
Ok, so those of you that have seen 'The Incredibles' knows about the boy's character, Dash. He runs so fast that he can run over water. My question is, is that physically possible? And if so, about how fast would you have to run to accomplish something like that?

[/ QUOTE ]

Not sure about running as you are constantly moving your feet in and out of the water. However things might be considerably easier if you were able to keep your feet on top of the water continously. It might be a lot like what Barefoot waterskiers do. For them to stay on top of the water they usually need to be travelling above 40 MPH.

Chairman Wood · #10 03-28-2005, 11:08 PM

Another thing is that there exists lizards that can walk on water. I'm sure it wouldn't be hard to find them if you googled the idea. You might be able to get some kind of foot size/body weight ratio along with minimum speed kind of system if it is a good website that discusses the phenomenon.