How much lb could an average person push?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around estimating the maximum force an average person can exert when pushing against a door, particularly focusing on the parameters that influence this force, such as the average weight of a person and the coefficient of static friction between surfaces.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that the question depends on two parameters: the average weight of a person and the average coefficient of static friction for various surfaces.
  • Another participant proposes a practical approach by using a spring-type bathroom scale to measure the force exerted while pushing against a wall, implying that this could provide a direct answer for an 'average' person.
  • A later reply echoes the suggestion of using a bathroom scale, emphasizing the value of experimental methods over theoretical assumptions due to the complexities involved in real-world scenarios.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on a specific value for the force that an average person can push, but there is agreement on the importance of considering both theoretical and experimental approaches to the question.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the dependence on definitions of "average" and the variability in friction coefficients, which may affect the conclusions drawn from both theoretical and experimental methods.

Kirua
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e.g. pushing a door with x-lbs of resistance, assuming a person is exerting force perpendicular to the door, 36" from hinge. What is that x-lbs (max) an average adult could pushing with ease?

Thanks
 
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This is really a question of two related parameters:

1. How heavy is the average person?

2. What is the average coefficient of static friction (for all combination of surfaces), i.e., what is 'typical'?

When you answer these two, you should be able to extract an answer.
 
Why don't you find a spring-type bathroom scale, hold it up against a wall, and push. What does the scale read? There's your answer (if you are 'average,' whatever that means). :smile:
 
"Why don't you find a spring-type bathroom scale, hold it up against a wall, and push."

Thanks!
 
gmax137 said:
Why don't you find a spring-type bathroom scale, hold it up against a wall, and push. What does the scale read? There's your answer (if you are 'average,' whatever that means). :smile:

I like this solution. Sometimes experiment is the way to go. Theory can help you only so much because of all the assumptions that one has to make to approximate any real world situation. =]
 

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