Have you ever wondered if real-life physics apply in Angry Birds Space? Given that in its past versions, projectile computations are approximately precise, what happens if you remove the birds and the pigs from Earth and send them to outer space? The challenge is accepted by Rhett Allain, an associate professor of physics.
Allain’s main focus in his study of the game is the bubble surrounding an asteroid, which can be easily dismissed by players as the area where the birds “interact with the rock,” possibly a space where gravity is present. Outside the region, the bird would exhibit inertia — no change in speed, no change in direction.
Gravity and Friction in the Bubble
He then discovers some interesting points about the game after his observations and computations: indeed there is gravity inside the bubble, but there seems to be another force present, which can be frictional force. It also seems like the bird gets a speed boost when the bird enters the bubble. This observation is intriguing because, in real-life physics, objects in space are subject to microgravity environments where friction is almost negligible. However, in Angry Birds Space, the presence of frictional force within the bubble suggests that the game designers have added an extra layer of complexity to make the gameplay more engaging.
For instance, when a bird enters the bubble, it doesn’t just follow a simple parabolic trajectory as it would under Earth’s gravity. Instead, the bird’s path is influenced by the gravitational pull of the asteroid and the frictional force, which could be akin to air resistance on Earth. This combination of forces makes the bird’s movement more unpredictable and challenging for players to master.
Speed Boost Phenomenon
Another fascinating aspect Allain notes is the speed boost that birds experience upon entering the bubble. In real-world physics, an object entering a gravitational field would accelerate due to the gravitational pull. However, the speed boost observed in Angry Birds Space seems to be more pronounced than what would be expected from gravity alone. This could be a deliberate design choice to add an element of surprise and excitement to the game.
For example, if a bird is launched towards an asteroid, the moment it enters the bubble, it accelerates rapidly, allowing players to reach targets that would otherwise be difficult to hit. This speed boost can be likened to a slingshot effect, where the bird gains additional velocity, making the gameplay more dynamic and engaging.
Moreover, the presence of these forces within the bubble adds a layer of strategy to the game. Players must carefully consider the timing and angle of their shots to take full advantage of the gravitational and frictional forces. This makes Angry Birds Space not just a test of aim but also a test of understanding and manipulating in-game physics.
For a complete analysis of gravitational force in Angry Birds Space, click the link below.
via Wired Science Blogs
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