Air Pressure and Net Force on a Door in a Tornado

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the net force exerted on a door due to a significant drop in atmospheric pressure during a tornado. The problem involves understanding the relationship between pressure, force, and area, specifically in the context of a door measuring 195 cm by 91 cm.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to identify the appropriate formula for calculating force from pressure and area. Some participants question the calculations and units used, particularly regarding the conversion of pressure to force.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, with one offering a formula and another attempting calculations. There are indications of confusion regarding units and the overall approach, suggesting that further clarification and guidance may be needed.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of a 15 percent decrease in atmospheric pressure and the need to consider the pressure acting on both sides of the door. The original poster expresses uncertainty about the calculations and the resulting values.

NPM
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Homework Statement


In a tornado, the pressure can be 15 percent below normal atmospheric pressure. Suppose that a tornado occurred outside a door that is 195 cm high and 91 cm wide. What net force would be exerted on the door by a sudden 15 percent drop in normal atmospheric pressure? In what direction would the force be exerted?


Homework Equations


Here lies the problem.
I do no know which formula I should be using.
I know that atmospheric pressure is about 1.0 x 10^5 N/m squared at sea level.
Which I'm inferring is what I would use for the problem.
Could someone post a formula or something?
I think that's all I would need.
 
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Never mind.
I just realized that P=F/A would work.
Whoops xP
 
So I tried doing the problem:
P=F/A
Regular pressure = 1.0 x 10^5
15% decrease = 8.5 x 10^3
85000 = F/(195 x 91)
= F/177.45<--- Converted to meters
So I multiplied by the area:
85000 x 177.45=15,083,250 Pa
And that, to me, seems like a completely ridiculous answer.
Would someone care to correct or at least help me?
 
A couple of comments:

1. Remember there is a net force, due 1 full atmosphere of pressure, pushing on the other side of the door.

2. Be careful with the units. It asks for a force, you're answer was in Pa units. Do you see the problem there?
 

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