Outside on the MoonMoon Firsts: Tag
Why is a sharp turn tricky on the Moon?
The science in this story
To turn, your boots need a sideways push from the ground. Friction between your boots and the ground provides that push. On the Moon, you weigh about one-sixth as much, but your mass stays the same. If your boots press down less, and the grip is otherwise the same, a sharp turn can be harder at the same speed. Mu keeps rushing toward Feiti and slides into a wide turn. Slowing down would help him turn more tightly. The flower of footprints shows his repeated wide turns in a playful way.
Our model and our make-believe story
The six-times comparison uses a flat surface, the same speed and friction, and a downward boot force equal to weight. Real running and Moon soil can be different. A player standing still is not impossible to catch.
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