The Science Behind Why Peeling Off a Sticking Plaster Quickly Hurts Less

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between impulse and the sensation of pain when peeling off a sticking plaster. The key physics concepts mentioned include momentum, impulse, and the equations ƩF = dmv/dt and I = mv2 - mv1. Participants highlight that the rapid application of force (F) over a short time interval (Δt) results in a smaller impulse, which may contribute to a reduced pain sensation. Additionally, psychological factors are noted, suggesting that the quick removal minimizes the duration of pain perception.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts, specifically momentum and impulse.
  • Familiarity with the equations ƩF = dmv/dt and I = mv2 - mv1.
  • Knowledge of biological responses to pain and sensory perception.
  • Awareness of psychological factors influencing pain perception.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the physics of impulse and its applications in real-world scenarios.
  • Explore the biological mechanisms of pain perception and nerve response.
  • Investigate psychological theories related to pain management and perception.
  • Study the effects of rapid versus slow force application in various contexts.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, psychologists studying pain perception, and anyone interested in the interplay between physical forces and sensory experiences.

Fabric
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Hello everyone,

I do not need homework-guidance, but having read the COC, I decided this was the best suited place for my question. It's a conceptual-understanding type of question.

I am trying to fully understand some new physics concept, namely momentum and impulse.

ƩF = dmv/dt

I = mv2 - mv1

Now, I read about a woodpecker banging its head against a tree about 20 times a second and about 12000 times a day with an average force of 1200 times the weight of its head. The reason that the woodpecker is capable of doing this, is because the impulse i.e. F*Δt = p2 - p1 is very small when it strikes its beak.

My question:

Can Impulse also explain why it never really hurts when you peel off a sticking plaster very quickly, opposite to when you are slowly peeling it off, i.e. is F*Δt = p2 - p1 < epsilon?

Hope this wasn't too irrelevant and any answer is appreciated. Thank you.
 
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Fabric said:
Can Impulse also explain why it never really hurts when you peel off a sticking plaster very quickly, opposite to when you are slowly peeling it off, i.e. is F*Δt = p2 - p1 < epsilon?
I think this is more a biological/psychological effect. It hurts in both cases, but if you do it quickly the time where something hurts is shorter, and your nerves cannot do more than send "oh no it hurts here!" even if the force is larger.
 

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