Does Walking on Creaky Floorboards Consume More Energy Than Normal Floorboards?

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SUMMARY

Walking on creaky floorboards consumes more energy than walking on normal floorboards due to the energy absorption caused by the flexing of the boards. The up and down motion required to navigate the creaky points results in increased energy expenditure, akin to walking uphill. This phenomenon highlights the mechanical differences between creaky and stable flooring.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics principles related to energy and motion
  • Knowledge of structural mechanics, particularly regarding flooring materials
  • Familiarity with concepts of energy absorption and dissipation
  • Awareness of how different surfaces affect movement efficiency
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the physics of energy absorption in materials
  • Explore the impact of flooring materials on energy expenditure during movement
  • Investigate structural mechanics related to floorboard design
  • Learn about biomechanics and how different surfaces affect human locomotion
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physicists, structural engineers, and anyone interested in the biomechanics of movement and energy efficiency in various environments.

scupydog
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While just standing on creaking floorboard, i was thinking about where the energy came from to create the noise.

I assume it came from me moving my mass over the creaky point, therefore do i lose more energy walking on creaky floorboards than just normal floorboards?
 
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Yes, you lose more energy on creaking floorboards. The up and down motion of the flexing of the floorboards absorbs energy. It's like you're walking uphill.
 
russ_watters said:
It's like you're walking uphill.
Hmm, I remember stories about walking uphill both ways. I guess it is possible :smile:
 

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