Why Is Projected Area More Relevant Than Surface Area in Physics?

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Rahul Manavalan
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SUMMARY

Projected area is more relevant than surface area in physics due to its direct influence on force components acting on curved surfaces. In scenarios such as surface tension in water jets and bearing area calculations, projected area simplifies the analysis by focusing on the effective area that contributes to force interactions. The discussion highlights that while surface area calculations may seem applicable, they often do not account for the directional components of forces effectively.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts, particularly force and surface tension.
  • Familiarity with geometric principles related to circular cross sections.
  • Knowledge of how forces interact with curved surfaces.
  • Basic mathematical skills for calculating areas and forces.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the concept of projected area in fluid dynamics.
  • Study the mathematical derivation of surface tension in circular jets.
  • Explore the principles of force components acting on curved surfaces.
  • Investigate applications of projected area in engineering and design.
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, engineers, and anyone interested in fluid dynamics and force analysis on curved surfaces will benefit from this discussion.

Rahul Manavalan
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I wonder why projected area has been of much interest among physics communities, while the surface area could well be the solution unless any complex geometries are involved.
The question popped up in my head when the surface tension in a water jet was derived. Clearly the jet has a circular cross section.
Why not the curved surface area 4*(pi*r^2).
Other instance was when dealing with a bearing area calculation.
This puzzles me a great deal.
Hope someone could show me a way.
 
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In practical applications it usually comes down to components of forces acting on curved surfaces summing in one direction and cancelling in another direction .
 

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