Air pressure from a ceiling fan.

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the effects of ceiling fans and exhaust fans on air pressure in a room, exploring both theoretical and conceptual aspects of airflow and pressure dynamics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that a ceiling fan would increase air pressure in a room, while an exhaust fan would decrease pressure by withdrawing air.
  • Others argue that a ceiling fan does not change average pressure but may create pressure differences within the room.
  • A participant suggests that an exhaust fan in a sealed room could lead to air flowing inwards to equalize pressure.
  • One participant questions whether the kinetic energy imparted by the fan on air molecules could increase pressure.
  • Another participant references the ideal gas law, indicating its relevance to the discussion of pressure and volume.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the impact of ceiling fans on air pressure, with no consensus reached regarding whether they increase, decrease, or maintain average pressure in a room.

Contextual Notes

Some claims depend on assumptions about room sealing and fan capacity, and the discussion includes unresolved questions about the relationship between air pressure and temperature.

Andrew123
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I think a ceiling fan would increase air pressure in a room, whilst an exhaust fan would decrease pressure if it was withdrawing air from the room. However with an exhaust fan, If the room was sealed off, wouldn't air tend to flow inwards through the exhaust fan as well in an attempt to equalize the pressure? Cheers.. just curious :D
 
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Also is the temperature colder in low pressure because their are less air molecules interacting without skin and hence less warmth imparted upon us?
 
Andrew123 said:
I think a ceiling fan would increase air pressure in a room, whilst an exhaust fan would decrease pressure if it was withdrawing air from the room.

A regular ceiling fan will not either increase nor decrease pressure; it just moves the air around. In a sealed room, an exhaust fan of sufficient capacity would lower the pressure, since it removes air from the room. That's pretty much how a vacuum chamber works.
I don't know the answer to your second post, but I suspect that you're correct.
 
would the fan impart some kinetic energy onto the air molecules which would increase pressure?
 
Are you familiar with the ideal gas law, PV=nRT? (If not, you should make yourself familiar with it!)
 
Hi Hurky!
 
Andrew123 said:
I think a ceiling fan would increase air pressure in a room,

It would not change average pressure, but it will make pressure between parts of the room to differ.
 

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