Pressure in a tornado and net force on a door

If a tornado suddenly occurred outside a door with dimensions 182cm high and 91cm wide, the net force exerted on the door would be -2.5x10^4 N towards the outside. The figures of 0.85x10^5 Pa and 1x10^5 Pa represent the atmospheric pressure inside and outside the house respectively. This is based on the assumption that the tornado exerts a pressure 15% less than the atmospheric pressure inside the house.
  • #1
jai6638
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In a tornado, the pressure can be 15% below normal atmospheric pressure. Seomtimes a tornado can move so quickly that this pressure drop can occur in one second. Suppose a tornado suddnely occurred outside your front door, whic is 182cm high and 91cm wide. what net force would be exerted on the door? in what direction would the force be exerted?

Answer: Fnet = Foutside-Finside

= (Poutside-pinside ) x a
= (0.85x10^5 Pa - 1x10^5 Pa ) x ( 1.82m)(0.91m)
= - 2.5x10^4 N( toward the outside )

The above answer is written at the back of the textbook for the question typed above. However, i don't undersatnd where did they get the figures of .85x10^5 Pa and 1x10^5 Pa from... can anyone please temme what those figures are?

thanks much
 
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  • #2
"Pa" apud "Pascal" (apud Blaise Pascal,French phylosopher & physicist in the XVII-th century) is the SI unit for pressure.
In those units,atmospheric pressure is 101325Pa which can be approximated to 10^{5}.

Daniel.
 
  • #3
so where did they get the figure 0.85x10^5 from ?? and how does tyhe textbook assume that the atmopsheric pressure inside the house and outside it is different without evidence from the question?

thanks
 
  • #4
jai6638 said:
so where did they get the figure 0.85x10^5 from ?? and how does tyhe textbook assume that the atmopsheric pressure inside the house and outside it is different without evidence from the question?

thanks

It says that the tornado exerts a pressure 15% less than the atmospheric pressure (presumably found inside the house),so there's how they got that number.

Daniel.
 

FAQ: Pressure in a tornado and net force on a door

What causes the pressure in a tornado to be so strong?

The pressure in a tornado is caused by the rotation of air within the storm. As the air rotates faster and faster, it creates a low pressure area at the center of the tornado. This low pressure pulls in surrounding air, causing it to spin and further intensify the pressure.

How does the pressure in a tornado affect buildings and structures?

The strong pressure in a tornado can cause significant damage to buildings and structures. The pressure can create a suction effect, pulling at walls and roofs and potentially causing them to collapse. It can also cause windows and doors to blow out, allowing debris to enter the building.

Can the pressure in a tornado be measured?

Yes, the pressure in a tornado can be measured using a device called a barometer. However, due to the destructive nature of tornadoes, it is typically difficult and dangerous to get close enough to accurately measure the pressure within a tornado.

How does the net force on a door change during a tornado?

The net force on a door during a tornado can vary greatly depending on the strength and direction of the winds. If the winds are blowing against the door, the net force will be greater and could potentially blow the door open or off its hinges. If the winds are blowing in the opposite direction, the door may experience a lower net force or even be pushed closed.

Is it safe to open a door during a tornado?

No, it is not safe to open a door during a tornado. The strong winds and low pressure can create a dangerous suction effect that could pull you out of the building or cause debris to enter. It is best to seek shelter in a windowless room or basement and wait for the tornado to pass.

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