Why it's easier to push the door from the furthest distance

In summary, the further you push a door from its pivot point, the easier it is to open or close it due to the increased torque or mechanical advantage. This is because the force required to move the door is spread over a greater distance, making it feel easier to push.
  • #1
THP
Why it's easier to push the door from the furthest distance From the pivot point?
 
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  • #2
THP said:
Why it's easier to push the door from the furthest distance From the pivot point?
Is this a homework question?
 
  • #3
haruspex said:
Is this a homework question?

Nope
 
  • #4
Try to to think about this: if you want to open/close a door, you have to make the door rotating about the pivot point ##\longrightarrow## you create a torque. The minimum torque ##\tau_m## to open\close the door is equal if you push near or far from the pivot point. So, if ##\tau_m## is constant for each point you push the door, something, like ##r## (distance from the pivot point) and ##F## (the force applied by you), change. In what way?
 
  • #5
Another way to say what 'Bestfrog' said,
when you are trying to close a door you produce torque
the torque formula is defined by T = F (the force you make) * d (the distance from the point where the door is atached to the wall, the 'pivot point')
so, the further you push the door from its pivot point, the greater the torque and easier it is to close / open it
(hope you understood it, otherwise just send more questions - this is my first time trying to answer something :) )
 
  • #6
I suspect that an argument based on torque does not provide the intuitive explanation that is sought.
Perhaps a more natural way is to think in terms of mechanical advantage. It is effectively a lever. When you push at a point far from the pivot you have to push further to get the door to close to the same extent. This spreads the effort over a greater distance. It is like walking up the long but gentle ramp instead of climbing the short flight of stairs.
 
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  • #7
haruspex said:
I suspect that an argument based on torque does not provide the intuitive explanation that is sought.
Perhaps a more natural way is to think in terms of mechanical advantage. It is effectively a lever. When you push at a point far from the pivot you have to push further to get the door to close to the same extent. This spreads the effort over a greater distance. It is like walking up the long but gentle ramp instead of climbing the short flight of stairs.
"It is like walking up the long but gentle ramp instead of climbing the short flight of stairs."
Very nice way to explain, thanks for the reply man :)
 

1. Why is it easier to push a door from the furthest distance?

This is because when you push a door from a distance, you are able to apply more torque on the door, making it easier to open. Torque is the force applied at a distance from the point of rotation, and the further away you are from the door, the more torque you can generate.

2. Does the shape of the door affect how easy it is to push from a distance?

Yes, the shape of the door can definitely play a role in how easy it is to push from a distance. A door with a lever handle, for example, will be easier to push from a distance compared to a door with a round knob, as the lever handle allows you to apply more torque.

3. Is there a limit to how far you can push a door and still have it open easily?

There is no specific limit, but the further you are from the door, the more force you will need to apply to overcome the resistance of the door. At some point, the force required may become too great, making it more difficult to push the door open.

4. Can the weight of the door affect how easy it is to push from a distance?

Yes, the weight of the door can definitely make a difference. A heavier door will require more force to push from a distance compared to a lighter door. This is because the weight adds to the resistance that needs to be overcome.

5. Why is it easier to push a door from the furthest distance compared to pulling it from the furthest distance?

This is due to the direction of the force being applied. When pushing a door from a distance, the force is directed towards the hinge, which is the point of rotation. This creates a more efficient use of torque, making it easier to open the door. On the other hand, when pulling a door from a distance, the force is directed away from the hinge, making it less efficient and more difficult to open the door.

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