2007-05-20 14:27:08 · 6 answers · asked by Chrestos 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
That doesn't really make sense, seeing as either the dime or the half-dollar should loose every time (I forget which one gets worse times, large or small diameter). I'm guessing that it comes down to weight and how it's distributed over the circumference of the coin, if what you say is true. However, if you want, you can give me about 10 dollars worth of various coins, and I'll conduct experiments for you.
2007-05-20 15:04:45 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's possible that the nickle has a higher % of it's energy lost in wind resistance and rolling friction because it has a larger thickness to diameter ratio than the other coins
2007-05-20 16:36:18 · answer #2 · answered by knashha 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is an excellent observation that I have never noticed. I would suspect that the wide and smooth edge of the nickel is the cause. It sounds like the basis of an excellent experiment. By shaving the edge of the nickel does it change the end velocity.
2007-05-20 17:09:34 · answer #3 · answered by a simple man 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The other coins have more cents?
Actually, it probably has to do with the mass - weight per size, diameter, drag coefficient, rolling resistance and so forth.
2007-05-20 16:04:24 · answer #4 · answered by LeAnne 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's the smooth edge. It reduced rolling friction. Pennies are round too, but smaller, so air friction slows them down faster than a nickle.
2007-05-24 14:24:34 · answer #5 · answered by Dr. R 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Never noticed. I quit throwing my money away a long time ago.
2007-05-20 14:32:23 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋