Improving On the Slip ‘n Slide1
Improving On the Slip ‘n Slide
Casey Durbin
Southern Utah University
Abstract
A study was conducted using water, and three different kinds of soaps, to determine if we could increase the horizontal displacement traveled on a slip ‘n slide, and what type of soap would create the previously mentioned outcome. Three individuals participated varying in size, age, and muscular ability. Dish soap and shampoo increased the horizontal displacement over water alone, but conditioner by far had a greater significant effect on overall displacement. Also, while the skin dried out quickly with soap and shampoo, the conditioner had the opposite effect.
Introduction
For decades children have been attempting to find better and better ways to cool off on hot summer days. Since being discovered and invented by Robert Carrier in 1961, the slip and slide has become a staple of summer fun. Much research has gone into ways to improve upon this invention. Ideas such as using a hill to incorporate the acceleration of gravity, or placing a pool at the end of the slide for participants to slide into. Burt et al (1996) found that by placing a pool at the end of a slide, you can more effectively slow down an individual at the end of the slide and greatly decrease the chance of injury. One other such improvement, and one in which we will be concentrating on in this study is the idea of using soap to reduce friction. Primarily, what type of soap works the best? We focused primarily on horizontal displacement from the point of take-off to the point where the body stops.We also were aware of the qualitative aspect of our skin and how it felt with the soap on our skin after each attempt on the slide.
Methods
There were three participants who took part in the study, ages ranging from 5 years old to 36 years old. All participants were informed of the parameters of the study and they gave appropriate consent. A 50 foot slip ‘n slide was staked to the ground. The types of soaps tested were Kirkland brand dish soap, dove brand shampoo, and suave hair conditioner. All product labels were checked to make sure that they were safe to use on human skin. A control variable of water was used by itself. Each participant was given three attempts with each type of fluid, so each person made twelve attempts total. Between each attempt, each participant had the soap thoroughly washed off and given a five minute rest as to ensure max effort. All participants started their run from the same spot each time, and jumped from the same spot each time. Measurements were taken after the participant came to a complete stop, from the point of take-off and the tip of the head at the end of each slide. Killian et al (2004) recommended a 4-5 meter running distance in order to maximize momentum and angle of take-off.
Results
In testing the different types of fluids, it was found that the conditioner reduced friction the most, and provided for the greatest conservation in momentum for all ages. It was also determined that while increased horizontal displacement occurred, what was more valuable was the variable of speed and take-off velocity. Conditioner reduced the friction the most, as well as washed away with more difficulty, causing less of a need to reapply prior to each attempt, and was softer on the skin. Considering table 1, there was a correlation between age, and fluid used due to the ability to generate greater momentum. The 36 year old participant slid off of the end of the slip’n slide with all three soaps, so displacement was measured off of the end of the slide and on to the grass where he finally came to a stop. It was concluded that grass causes much more friction than does the plastic of a slip ‘n slide.
Table 1. Shows the difference in horizontal displacement based on the different fluids used. The measurements are in feet and were rounded to the nearest half foot. The ages are in years.
Age / Water / Dish soap / Shampoo / Conditioner5 / 15.5 / 17 / 17 / 19.5
9 / 25 / 32 / 36 / 42
36 / 42 / 52 / 52 / 54
Discussion
Generally, those involved in using a slip ‘n slide are children. At one point while using the dish soap, the five year old in the study got a little bit into his eye. While no real damage could occurdue to the nature of the soap, it stung a little. Neither the shampoo, nor the conditioner caused agitation of the eye. Also, during the five minute rest periods, the skin of those participating seemed to dry out faster with both the shampoo and dish soap, but not with the conditioner, so further study could be done on the effects of individual soaps on skin and time of dehydration.
While there was the one traumatic incident with soap in the eyes, we had a lot of fun. We found that we could increase the horizontal displacement just by changing the type of fluid we added to the water. Conditioner seemed to provide the more slippery surface. Conditioner was more cost effective because it didn’t require us to re-apply every time, allowing us to use significantly less.
References
(Both sources are made up)
Burt, B.D. & Jensen, D. (1996). Safety Regulations and Research Involving Slip ‘n Slides. Pediatrics Now. 32(10) 237-245.
Killian, J. & Allen, K. (2004). Optimal Biomechanics for a Running Headfirst Slide. Monthly Digest of Biomechanics and Sports Medicine. 18(7), 1376-1378.