Spread of droplets in the air vs. distance

  • Thread starter Beliavsky
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Air
In summary, to reduce the transmission of coronavirus, it is recommended to stay 6 feet apart from others. However, there is not much difference between 5.9 and 6.0 feet. The number of droplets you breathe from another person varies with the distance d and is affected by the size of the droplet. Smaller droplets are more likely to stay in the air and travel farther, while larger droplets are more likely to fall to the ground. A mixture of droplet sizes can also affect the amount you would breathe at specified distances. A good reference for more information is "Aerosols, Droplets, and Airborne Spread: Everything you could possibly want to know" by Justin Morgenstern.
  • #1
Beliavsky
2
0
To reduce the transmission of coronavirus, people are recommended to stay 6 feet apart from others. The 6 feet number is a simple guideline, but there is not much difference between 5.9 and 6.0 feet.

How does the number of droplets you breathe from another person vary with the distance d? Is it 1/d, 1/d^2, or something else?
 
Biology news on Phys.org
  • #2
  • Like
  • Informative
Likes DaveE and Jarvis323
  • #3
A group of several hundred scientists just published an open letter, "It's time to talk about airborne transmission of covid-19". They criticize out of touch health authorities and summarize the body of knowledge about airborne transmission. I think it's a good starting point for answering your questions.

https://academic.oup.com/cid/article/doi/10.1093/cid/ciaa939/5867798
 
  • Like
Likes FactChecker

FAQ: Spread of droplets in the air vs. distance

What is the significance of studying the spread of droplets in the air?

The spread of droplets in the air is an important factor to consider in understanding the transmission of infectious diseases. By studying how droplets travel and disperse in the air, we can better understand how diseases are spread and develop effective prevention measures.

How far can droplets travel in the air?

The distance droplets can travel in the air depends on various factors such as the size of the droplets, the force of the droplet release, and environmental conditions. Generally, larger droplets can travel shorter distances compared to smaller droplets. Studies have shown that droplets can travel up to six feet before falling to the ground.

What is the difference between large and small droplets in terms of spread in the air?

Large droplets, which are typically greater than 5 micrometers in diameter, tend to fall to the ground quickly due to their weight. On the other hand, small droplets, which are less than 5 micrometers in diameter, can remain suspended in the air for longer periods and can travel longer distances.

How does wearing a mask affect the spread of droplets in the air?

Wearing a mask can significantly reduce the spread of droplets in the air. It acts as a barrier that catches large droplets and prevents them from traveling far. It also reduces the distance small droplets can travel by creating turbulence and slowing down their movement.

What are some other factors that can affect the spread of droplets in the air?

Aside from the size of the droplets and wearing a mask, other factors that can affect the spread of droplets in the air include humidity, temperature, and air flow. Higher humidity levels can cause droplets to evaporate faster, while colder temperatures can cause them to remain suspended in the air for longer periods. Air flow, such as from air conditioning or ventilation systems, can also affect the movement and dispersion of droplets in the air.

Similar threads

COVID Medical Science, Medical Ethics, COVID-19
Replies
21
Views
3K
Understanding SARS-Cov-2, Effects of Covid-19 and the Future
Replies
10
Views
2K
I Why does hot air have low pressure? (wind formation)
Replies
16
Views
2K
COVID Understanding COVID Quarantine Guidance
Replies
2
Views
2K
Air Friction energy loss on a trampoline
Replies
13
Views
2K
An acceleration and distance question
Replies
6
Views
2K
Long distance electrical transmission efficiency
Replies
2
Views
1K
Photo Contest - Before Social Distancing (5/16-5/22)
Replies
17
Views
2K
Magnetic field strength at a distance
Replies
14
Views
3K
How Long Can a Human Stay Airborne in a Vertical Jump?
Replies
4
Views
39K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top