Why Does Water from a Hose Feel Stronger at a Distance?

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  • Thread starter Thread starter Alex Jong
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Discussion Overview

The discussion explores the phenomenon of water from a hose feeling stronger at a distance compared to when it is close to the nozzle. Participants examine the mechanics of water flow, pressure perception, and sensory interpretation, with implications for physics and human experience.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that water pressure feels stronger at the nozzle, suggesting a direct relationship between proximity and pressure sensation.
  • Another participant questions the reliability of sensory perception, proposing that gravity may play a role in how the water stream behaves as it falls.
  • A participant explains that when the hand is removed from the nozzle, the water flow increases, which could contribute to the sensation of increased pressure at a distance.
  • Some participants propose that the dispersion of the water jet over a greater surface area at a distance tricks the brain into perceiving a stronger sensation.
  • Another participant emphasizes the difference between the steady pressure of a water jet and the pulsing sensation as it disperses, suggesting that this can be understood through both scientific and experiential lenses.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature of the sensation experienced with water from a hose. While some agree on the role of jet dispersion and surface area, others question the reliability of sensory perception and the influence of gravity, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference various factors such as gravity, jet dispersion, and sensory interpretation without reaching a consensus on the primary cause of the observed phenomenon. The discussion includes assumptions about sensory perception and the mechanics of fluid dynamics that are not fully explored.

Alex Jong
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So i noticed that when you put your hand really close to a spraying hose you don't really feel anything but when you move you hand further away it feels like it gets stronger. But how? I know that when the water leaves the hose the waters speed only drops not increases then why is it when i move my hand the further away it gets stronger? p.s. sorry for my English ;(
 
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I have always felt the water pressure stronger right at the nozzle
and for the reasons you stated

Dave
 
I don't know if I can trust your sense of feeling. The only explanation I can come up with is gravity. Is the water stream falling down in an arc?
 
Alex Jong said:
I know that when the water leaves the hose the waters speed only drops not increases then why is it when i move my hand the further away it gets stronger?
If you put your hand on the hole, the water flow stops (or slows down significantly). If you take it away it flows much faster.
 
jet disperse with range. spreads over greater surface area of skin and tricks brain. also separation of jet into droplets same illusion.
 
gmar said:
jet disperse with range. spreads over greater surface area of skin and tricks brain. also separation of jet into droplets same illusion.


Thank you Gmar I was hoping for someone to confirm it.
 
Just as we learn Physics you can learn to interpret the experiences your body is telling you. The constant steady pressure of a homogenous water jet vs the pulsing, throbbing impact of the same jet as it disperses and breaks into drops.

This can be studied scientifically through biology or neuroscience or whatever domain it comes under but it also known intuitively by those with active lifestyles (who regularly have to experience and interpret physical sensations) and by those who look inward and study their mind, such as with practitioners of meditation and Yoga.
 

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