Calculating the pressure of a hailstone

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In summary, during a hailstorm, hailstones with an average mass of 2 g and a speed of 15 m/s strike a window pane at a 45 degree angle with an area of .5 m^2, at a rate of 30 per second. The average pressure they exert on the window can be calculated by using the formula P=m(-2vx)/(\Deltat))*N/A=(2e-3 kg)(-2(15)(cos 45 degrees)(30))/(second)/(.5 m^2), and can be compared to the pressure of the atmosphere by taking the ratio of the two pressures.
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pentazoid
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Homework Statement


During a hailstorm , hailstones with an average mass of 2 g and a speed 15m/s strike a window pane at a 45 degree angle. The area of the window is .5 m^2 and the hailstones hit it at a rate of 30 per second. What average presure do they exert on the window? How does this compare to the pressure of the atmosphere?


Homework Equations



[tex]\overline{}[/tex]P=[tex]\overline{}[/tex]F/A=-m([tex]\Delta[/tex]vx/([tex]\Delta[/tex]t)/A


The Attempt at a Solution



N/s=30 hailstones/sec
m=2 grams
[tex]\Delta[/tex]vx=vx,final-vx,initial=(-vx-vx)=-2vx

P=m(-2vx)/([tex]\Delta[/tex]t))*N/A=(2e-3 kg)(-2(15)(cos 45 degrees)(30))/(second)/(.5 m^2)

to compare the pressure of the hail stone to the pressure of the atmosphere, wouldn't I take the ratio of the pressure of the hailstone to the pressure of the atmosphere?
 
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  • #2
The pressure calculation looks ok to me. Sure, a ratio would be a good way to compare the two pressures.
 

FAQ: Calculating the pressure of a hailstone

1. How do you calculate the pressure of a hailstone?

The pressure of a hailstone can be calculated by using the formula P = F/A, where P is the pressure, F is the force exerted by the hailstone on a surface, and A is the area of the surface.

2. What units are used to measure the pressure of a hailstone?

The pressure of a hailstone is typically measured in units of pounds per square inch (psi) or kilopascals (kPa).

3. Can the pressure of a hailstone vary?

Yes, the pressure of a hailstone can vary depending on its size, shape, and the speed at which it falls. Generally, larger hailstones will exert more pressure due to their greater mass and surface area.

4. How does the pressure of a hailstone compare to other natural phenomena?

The pressure of a hailstone can be quite high, with some large hailstones exerting pressures similar to those of strong winds or minor earthquakes. However, it is generally not as high as the pressure of a tornado or hurricane.

5. What factors can affect the calculation of hailstone pressure?

There are several factors that can affect the calculation of hailstone pressure, including air resistance, wind speed, temperature, and humidity. These variables can impact the force and surface area of the hailstone, and therefore alter the pressure calculation.

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