Is it possible to tip a cow

They then estimated that an average adult human could generate approximately Newtons of force at the optimal tipping angle. So in theory, on the low end with a completely static cow, approximately two people could apply enough force to tip said static cow.

The problem is that a cow would most certainly not stay static in such a scenario. So, on the high end, according to Dr.

But even if you did this, there is the fact that a cow in a state of falling is generally perfectly agile enough to simply catch itself and trot away. In the end, while it is technically possible for a group of humans to devise a way to cause a cow to tip over, it is, in the practical sense, impossible in the way generally illustrated when stereotypically inebriated individuals are described as tipping cows.

So where did the idea of cow tipping come from? Unfortunately, the answer is that no one knows for sure. It has been theorized that the practice of attempting cow tipping probably came about via serving the same function as snipe hunting- sending a gullible individual out to perform some impossible task for the amusement of those in the know. Although it should be noted that this is a potentially very dangerous snipe hunting style game, particularly if there is a bull around in the herd.

More recently, the Pixar film Cars depicts Mater and Lightning tipping cow-like tractors. In fact, he argues that it never happens in the real world, only in the movies. Don't believe him? Go scour YouTube and prove him wrong. You won't find a single such cow-tipping video for a simple reason: physics.

Their findings? Two people? Maybe — but not in real world conditions. Diagram adapted from Popular Mechanics , using the work of Dr. Margo Lillie and Tracy Boecher. Per her calculations, that would require at least five, and probably more like six pushers.

The paper, which poured cold water over cow tipping, drew a fair amount of attention online. But the whole thing is just a stupid thing to do from the get-go. So, then, here is our working theory on the persistence of the myth of cow tipping: First, the idea itself is funny. Sabina Magliocco, professor of Anthropology and Folklore at California State University , points out that a good myth or legend has the same element as a good joke.

Beavis and Butthead unsuccessfully went cow tipping. Chris Farley ends up with a face full of cow pie after going a failed cow tipping expedition with Rob Lowe in Tommy Boy. Third, cow tipping is essentially a muddier, drunker, and more dangerous version of the snipe hunt. You take a wet-behind-the-ears kid out into the field, feed them a few brews, and tell him to go find Bessie and give a good shove.

You, meanwhile, spend some quality time listening to someone slipping and sliding in a dark and muddy field. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed. They tipped over like chopped trees. It was pitch dark and a single person could manage that with a hard push from the side.

In other words: Tipping a cow -- toppling a beast that weighs nearly a ton -- would require a coordinated effort among four-or-maybe-five and-maybe-even-more people. And those people, if humanity's previous attempts at cow-tipping are any guide, would probably be drunk as they make that effort. Skip to content Site Navigation The Atlantic. Popular Latest. The Atlantic Crossword.