Silly question about air pressure

In summary, pressure variations due to temperature changes can potentially cause a floor to collapse if there is a significant difference between the pressure of the air on each side. However, this would require very strong airtight rooms and extreme temperature differentials. An example of this is the pressurization of commercial aircrafts, where the fuselage and windows must be able to withstand a significant pressure differential to avoid being torn apart.
  • #1
armolinasf
196
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Homework Statement



I was reading that if you have a room with a floor of say 20 square meters, then the downward air pressure would be equal to almost 240 tons which is obviously more than enough to collapse the floor, but since there is an equal upward pressure coming from the air underneath the floor the pressures all cancel out and everything is fine.

But pressure also varies according to temperature. So I was wondering, if you could isolate the two air masses, would it then be possible to change the pressure of the gas on each side of the floor such that there would be a great enough difference to cause the floor to collapse?
 
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  • #2
armolinasf said:
But pressure also varies according to temperature. So I was wondering, if you could isolate the two air masses, would it then be possible to change the pressure of the gas on each side of the floor such that there would be a great enough difference to cause the floor to collapse?
Certainly. You would have to build very strong airtight rooms. If you were going to heat the upper chamber, the walls and ceilings would have to be stronger than the floor. Otherwise the walls and ceiling would explode before the floor collapsed. If you were going to cool the lower chamber to reduce its pressure, the walls below would have to withstand greater pressure than the floor.

AM
 
  • #3
Temperature differentials do not cause significant changes in pressure unless they are extreme. But consider a commercial aircraft flying at 35,000 where air pressure outside may be about 3 psi (forgive the USA units), and inside the cabin is pressurized to say 12 psi. If the fuselage and windows were not strong enough to withstand the 9 psi pressure differential, the plane would be torn apart. Or if you could open a window, everything would be suctioned out of the plane, like you see in the movies, perhaps.
 

What is air pressure?

Air pressure is the force exerted by the weight of air on its surroundings. It is measured in units of force per unit area, such as pounds per square inch or pascals.

Why does air pressure change?

Air pressure changes due to various factors such as temperature, altitude, and weather conditions. As temperature increases, air molecules gain more energy and spread out, resulting in lower air pressure. As altitude increases, there are fewer air molecules in a given area, causing lower air pressure. Weather conditions such as storms and high winds can also affect air pressure.

How is air pressure measured?

Air pressure is often measured using a device called a barometer. A common type of barometer is a mercury barometer, which measures the height of a column of mercury in a tube. The higher the column of mercury, the higher the air pressure. Other types of barometers include aneroid barometers and digital barometers.

What are some real-world applications of understanding air pressure?

Understanding air pressure is important in many fields, including meteorology, aviation, and scuba diving. Meteorologists use air pressure measurements to predict weather patterns and make forecasts. Pilots and air traffic controllers use air pressure readings to ensure safe takeoffs and landings. Scuba divers must understand how changes in air pressure can affect their bodies when diving at different depths.

Can air pressure be manipulated or controlled?

Yes, air pressure can be manipulated or controlled in various ways. For example, air pressure can be increased by compressing air using a pump or decreasing the volume of the container holding the air. On the other hand, air pressure can be decreased by expanding the volume of the container or releasing air through a valve. These principles are used in many devices such as air compressors, vacuums, and pneumatic tools.

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