Why Does Everything Stick to Your Fingers?

  • Context: High School 
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SUMMARY

The phenomenon of lightweight objects appearing to stick to fingers for a brief moment is primarily due to the soft nature of human skin, which allows fingers to conform to the shape of the object, increasing friction. This effect is enhanced by the application of pressure, which enlarges the contact area and utilizes Van der Waals forces, although these forces are less significant compared to the friction generated. The discussion highlights that the size of the object's surface area plays a crucial role in this interaction, with smaller objects exhibiting a more pronounced sticking effect.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics principles, particularly friction.
  • Knowledge of Van der Waals forces and their applications.
  • Familiarity with material properties, specifically the softness of human skin.
  • Concept of surface area and its impact on contact interactions.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the mechanics of friction and how it applies to soft materials.
  • Explore the role of Van der Waals forces in adhesion and material science.
  • Investigate the properties of gecko feet and their nanostructures for adhesion.
  • Study the effects of pressure on contact area and friction in various materials.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics enthusiasts, material scientists, and anyone interested in the mechanics of adhesion and friction in everyday interactions.

aiop
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Why does everything under a certain weight seem to stick to my fingers (or any ones finger) for a second or less then fall. For example i can pick up a pen cap for a second and lift it high into the air before it comes fall down as my finger continues into the air.

Wondering why everything does this that is under a serene weight. As well when you push down on the object it seems to stick for longer. (my fingers aren't sticky or sweaty and this seems to only work when there is a small surface area better if smaller then the total objects.)

can some one please tell me what's going on here. thanks very much.
 
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aiop said:
Why does everything under a certain weight seem to stick to my fingers (or any ones finger) for a second or less then fall. For example i can pick up a pen cap for a second and lift it high into the air before it comes fall down as my finger continues into the air.

Wondering why everything does this that is under a serene weight. As well when you push down on the object it seems to stick for longer. (my fingers aren't sticky or sweaty and this seems to only work when there is a small surface area better if smaller then the total objects.)

can some one please tell me what's going on here. thanks very much.
I think it has to do with the fact that your finger is soft, when you press on the object, the finger change shape to envelope it, and friction can hold on the the object for a while, and the longer/harder you press, the more your finger change shape. Also, there is the Van der waal's forces that attract the object and your finger, and this effect may be magnified when pressing it longer makes the contacting area increase.
 
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24forChromium said:
I think it has to do with the fact that your finger is soft, when you press on the object, the finger change shape to envelope it, and friction can hold on the the object for a while, and the longer/harder you press, the more your finger change shape. Also, there is the Van der waal's forces that attract the object and your finger, and this effect may be magnified when pressing it longer makes the contacting area increase.
Van der waal's force may not be the reason. Gecko make use of that as their hair are nanometer scale while ours are in milimeters. Sooo
 

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