Pressure and Density: Force Increase on Eardrum in 10-Story Building

  • Thread starter Thread starter w11205
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Density Pressure
AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on calculating the force increase experienced by the eardrum during a rapid elevator descent in a ten-story building, with each story measuring 14 feet. The area of the eardrum is given as 1.3 cm², and the density of air is assumed to be constant at 1.29 kg/m³. Participants are tasked with determining the pressure change and converting the resulting force into pounds. The sensitivity of the ear to pressure changes is highlighted, particularly in relation to quick vertical movements. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding pressure dynamics in everyday scenarios like elevator rides.
w11205
Messages
1
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



Your ear is a very sensitive pressure gauge. When you take a quick ride in a elevator
going up or down in a building you notice a sensation in your ears when you travel only a
few floors. A stronger effect is present in the rapid ascent or descent of an airplane - your
ears notice. Assume that the area of your eardrum is 1.3 cm2. If you can just notice that
funny feeling in your ears when you take a quick elevator ride from the top to the bottom
of a ten-story building, what force increase are you able to notice on the eardrum?
Convert you answer to pounds. Take each story of the building to be 14 feet high and
presume the density of air is constant at D = 1.29 kg/m3.


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 
Physics news on Phys.org
Hi w11205,

w11205 said:

Homework Statement



Your ear is a very sensitive pressure gauge. When you take a quick ride in a elevator
going up or down in a building you notice a sensation in your ears when you travel only a
few floors. A stronger effect is present in the rapid ascent or descent of an airplane - your
ears notice. Assume that the area of your eardrum is 1.3 cm2. If you can just notice that
funny feeling in your ears when you take a quick elevator ride from the top to the bottom
of a ten-story building, what force increase are you able to notice on the eardrum?
Convert you answer to pounds. Take each story of the building to be 14 feet high and
presume the density of air is constant at D = 1.29 kg/m3.


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



What have you tried so far?
 
Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Starting with the mass considerations #m(t)# is mass of water #M_{c}# mass of container and #M(t)# mass of total system $$M(t) = M_{C} + m(t)$$ $$\Rightarrow \frac{dM(t)}{dt} = \frac{dm(t)}{dt}$$ $$P_i = Mv + u \, dm$$ $$P_f = (M + dm)(v + dv)$$ $$\Delta P = M \, dv + (v - u) \, dm$$ $$F = \frac{dP}{dt} = M \frac{dv}{dt} + (v - u) \frac{dm}{dt}$$ $$F = u \frac{dm}{dt} = \rho A u^2$$ from conservation of momentum , the cannon recoils with the same force which it applies. $$\quad \frac{dm}{dt}...
View full post »

Thread 'Egg Drop Challenge! Need ideas for winning designs'

I was thinking using 2 purple mattress samples, and taping them together, I do want other ideas though, the main guidelines are; Must have a volume LESS than 1600 cubic centimeters, and CAN'T exceed 25 cm in ANY direction. Must be LESS than 1 kg. NO parachutes. NO glue or Tape can touch the egg. MUST be able to take egg out in less than 1 minute. Grade A large eggs will be used.
View full post »

Similar threads

Eardrums "Pop" Outward on a Train - Bernoulli's Equation
Replies
4
Views
5K
Finding density of air in air column from just pressure?
Replies
2
Views
5K
Impact of alcohol and reduced cabin pressure on flights?
Replies
4
Views
2K
Pore dilation with increased pressure
Replies
1
Views
2K
Calculating the Force Constant of a Bungee Cord Using Newton's Laws
Replies
6
Views
3K
How does a pressure/temperature difference cause a force?
Replies
2
Views
2K
I with questions on using energy, thermal properties and fluids and density
Replies
5
Views
6K
I Atmospheric Density vs Altitude in an O'Neil Cylinder
Replies
1
Views
3K
Initial upward acceleration in a pulley problem
Replies
2
Views
5K
A Terrible Accident involving a Barrel of Bricks and a lot of Force
Replies
3
Views
11K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top