Pressure of a sting of mosquito

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around estimating the pressure exerted by a mosquito's sting on human skin, utilizing the formula P=F/A. Participants are exploring the necessary data and parameters to evaluate this pressure.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are considering the force a mosquito can exert and the area of its mouth that contacts the skin. There is a question about whether the inquiry is focused on force or pressure.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants sharing thoughts on estimation and the need for specific data. A reference to a relevant paper has been provided, although access is limited.

Contextual Notes

There appears to be a lack of specific data regarding the force exerted by mosquitoes, which is central to the discussion. Participants are navigating the ambiguity between force and pressure in their inquiries.

kirya27
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Member advised to use the homework template for posts in the homework sections of PF.
It seems like a simple question, with a simple equation, however, what is force of pressure of a sting of a mosquito on the human skin? Does it possible to evaluate, because I haven't found ANY required data, even though, I have a formula P=F/A
 
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It sounds like a "back of the envelope" problem. Estimation! How much force do you think a mosquito is capable of? Why? How much area do you think it's pointy mouth acts on?
 
Does it ask for the force or the pressure?
 
There is a nice paper on the subject: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18779629

Paywalled unfortunately. However if you google it hard enough you can find the full text. I don't want to post anything not appropriate here.
 

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