The Physics of Sliding Doors: Forces in Balance

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the physics of sliding doors, specifically the forces at play when a door is closed forcefully. It highlights that the door bounces back due to the principles of elasticity, where both the door and the frame deform upon impact, storing potential energy. This stored energy is released when the material returns to its original shape, causing the door to spring back. The conversation emphasizes the balance of forces, akin to the gravitational force acting on a book resting on a table.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's Third Law of Motion
  • Basic knowledge of elasticity and material deformation
  • Familiarity with potential and kinetic energy concepts
  • Awareness of force interactions in physical systems
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of elasticity in materials science
  • Explore Newton's Laws of Motion in greater detail
  • Investigate energy storage and release in physical systems
  • Learn about real-world applications of force balance in engineering
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Physics students, educators, engineers, and anyone interested in the mechanics of everyday objects and their interactions.

AnthreX
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when you close those sliding doors really hard
the door will eventually bounce back out about half way where you have pushed the door. is it because every force has an opposite side of force ? for example when we put the book on the table,
the gravity force is pulling the book down but the table is actually pushing the book upwards which makes it even, so the book stays on the very still.
 
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Yes, you are seeing a reaction to the original force put into the door. The specific mechanism by which this law is manifesting tiself is elasticity. When the door htis the doorframe, both are slightly deformed by the force of the impact. As they are being forced out of their original shape, both objects store the energy originally put into them by your arm, this energy building up as potential energy in the material being deformed. When the material's resistance to deformation is equal to the amount the remaining force acting against it, the door and frame both come to a stop, with all that energy stored in the material. Then, the material's tendency to return to its original shape releases the stored potential energy in the act of "springing back" into shape. This energy pushes the door back away from the doorframe, just as the original deforming force pushed it into the doorframe.
 
wow

r u a teacher ?

damn nice explanation
 

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