How Does Distance Affect Wind Force from a Fan?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between distance from a fan and the wind force experienced by an object, based on an experimental setup involving a model car. Participants explore the nature of the relationship, the methodology of the experiment, and the implications of the findings.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant reports a linear relationship between distance from the fan and wind force, noting a high R-squared value for the linear fit compared to a quadratic fit.
  • Another participant questions the validity of the findings, suggesting that the force should approach zero as an asymptote at larger distances and raises concerns about the possibility of negative force values.
  • A participant confirms taking multiple readings at each distance to calculate an average force but only has data for one fan speed.
  • There is a discussion about whether the measured force is a true representation of wind force or if it is influenced by other factors, such as friction and the mass of the model car.
  • Clarifications are sought regarding the experimental method and the definitions of independent and dependent variables in the context of the experiment.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature of the relationship between distance and wind force, with some supporting the linear model while others raise concerns about its validity and implications at larger distances. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the accuracy of the findings and the interpretation of the results.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of data for multiple fan speeds, potential influences of friction on the measurements, and the need for clarity on the definitions of the variables involved in the experiment.

Phylover
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I have done an experiment recently and found that there seems to exist a linear relationship (the R-squared value closest to one compared to quadratic fit, although they are pretty close) between the distance from the fan and the wind force.

At distance zero there is a certain magnitude the force and the force just drops by a constant rate when further away (perpendicular to the fan surface) from the fan.

The fan is in front of the object which I measure the acceleration. Any background theory in support of the findings? (just a normal electric fan we use at home)
 
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Interesting, can you post your data in a chart or graph?

Do you have several force readings for each distance allowing a mean and an uncertainty or just one force reading?

Do you have results for more than one fan speed?

I would expect the force to approach zero as an asymptote as the distance is increased.

Lots of functions can be nearly linear over a short span of input values. Think about what might happen at larger distances?

Can the force really be negative as a decreasing line would predict at some distance?
 
Dr. Courtney said:
Interesting, can you post your data in a chart or graph?

Do you have several force readings for each distance allowing a mean and an uncertainty or just one force reading?

Do you have results for more than one fan speed?

I would expect the force to approach zero as an asymptote as the distance is increased.

Lots of functions can be nearly linear over a short span of input values. Think about what might happen at larger distances?

Can the force really be negative as a decreasing line would predict at some distance?

Yes, I take three readings at each distance and then take an average of them.
I only have result for one fan speed.
Yes, I also think that it will approach zero as an asymptote as the distance is increased. But at certain distance the wind blown out by the fan cannot put the car into acceleration any more, and that's why I only have seven/ eight data points on my graph.
I don;t think the force can actually be negative because the further away the object from the fan, the smaller the force of pushing it away but it is unreasonable that the force of wind blown out by the fan actually pushes the object towards the fan.
 
OK, it seems that you are somehow using motion of a model car as a proxy for the "wind force." Are you actually computing a physics "force" are is your dependent variable really something else? You could compute a real net force if you know the mass of the car and measure the acceleration, but then you need to know the frictional force that must be overcome to separate out the wind force.

When communicating results of an experiment, the experimental method, and the independent and dependent variable are very important.

It is hard to suggest background theory without knowing more.
 

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