Now, the question is how to make it thin without reaching that temperature...

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In summary, the conversation discusses a physics question about how to make hair thin at the ends without damaging the skin. Various methods, such as stretching or using chemicals, are proposed and discussed. The idea of melting hair is also brought up, with a suggestion to use proteinase K. The conversation concludes with the possibility that hair can melt at high temperatures, making it a potential solution to the problem.
  • #1
SAZAR
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Unusual physics question :)

How to make a hair which is still properly rooted to skin (any hair, not just on head) become very thin at the end?
(gradual thinning toward the tip)

:D

How would you approach this physical problem - by applying mechanical force (stretching it, or abrading it, or cutting it at some small angle?? is that possible at all...), by treating it thermally, chemically or maybe some other (possibly ingenious) way?

The only rule is that it must stay rooted to skin (generally no damage to the skin). :D
 
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  • #2


go to a hair salon.
 
  • #3


:D ha ha...

No, seriously - tensile strength of human hair is 380 MPa (acording to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tensile_strength ).
My bet (for now, until proven otherwise) is stretching it.
 
  • #4


im being serious. if you are looking for a chemical solution to your answer, the best bet for you is to go and ask them. stretching hair does not work very well. and i know this becuase when i try to stretch my hair, it breaks
 
  • #6


dacruick said:
im being serious. if you are looking for a chemical solution to your answer, the best bet for you is to go and ask them. stretching hair does not work very well. and i know this becuase when i try to stretch my hair, it breaks

It breaks, but first it gets thin - right?

As I said: "The only rule is that it must stay rooted to skin (generally no damage to the skin)."
I think chemicals would affect the skin as well (the only way to avoid that is to apply chemical to the hair ONLY).

Tricky.

Andy Resnick said:
Figure out a way to strip off the cuticle: does anything dissolve keratin?

http://www.pgbeautygroomingscience.com/index.php?id=685
Yea'. I typed "dissolve keratin" and it said: http://www.skintreatmentcream.com/enzymatic/

What about heat?
I googled this:
("heat melt keratin" resulted in "keratin melting pot" - I guess glue made from animal ...stuff)
http://toccohair.en.ec21.com/Keratine_Melting_Pots--1820747_1820767.html
(someone already posed this question)
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_the_melting_point_of_keratin

It would be cool if hair acts similar to plastic (sort of like when you stretch melted cheese). :B
 
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  • #8


What is the...

...ah - there it is:

http://www.webanswers.com/science/at-what-temperature-does-hair-melt-269dba

("At what temperature does hair melt?

Depends on the moisture content of the hair. Dry human hair will melt at around 205 degrees C (401 F), and with a moisture content of 20%, around 155 C (311 F).")

So it is possible!
 
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1. What is "Unusual physics question"?

"Unusual physics question" is a broad term that can refer to any question related to unconventional or uncommon phenomena in the field of physics. It could involve topics such as quantum mechanics, relativity, or astrophysics.

2. What makes a physics question "unusual"?

A physics question is considered unusual if it involves concepts or phenomena that are not commonly encountered in everyday life or are not well understood by the general public. These questions often require advanced knowledge and critical thinking to answer.

3. How do scientists approach "unusual physics questions"?

Scientists approach unusual physics questions by using the scientific method, which involves making observations, formulating hypotheses, and testing them through experiments or observations. They also rely on established theories and mathematical models to help explain unusual phenomena.

4. Can "unusual physics questions" have practical applications?

Yes, many unusual physics questions have practical applications in various fields such as technology, medicine, and engineering. For example, the study of quantum mechanics has led to the development of technologies such as lasers and transistors.

5. Are there any unanswered "unusual physics questions"?

Yes, there are many unanswered unusual physics questions that continue to intrigue scientists and push the boundaries of our understanding of the universe. Some of these questions include the nature of dark matter and dark energy, the existence of parallel universes, and the origin of the universe itself.

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