Quote:
Originally Posted by Beta Version
Why do we assume balls, when we could be easily talking about cylinders.
This "track" idea is pretty nice, however, simply because the track indicates a curve in two coordinates, doesnt mean in needs to be a curved in all three. In fact, a modular rail system like this would actually be a pretty poor choice for a rolling track, every joint is an opportunity for the ball to get hung up.
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The angle of the support to the rail indicates that gravity is involved. A sphere is the object that tends to move most easily in response to the force of gravity when placed on a track. If the ball has a firm surface, the small bumps at the joints would have little effect. Once static friction is overcome, the inertia of the rolling ball will take it over the bumps.
So the puzzle here is "where might these rails be placed?"
