Calculating Outward Force of a Tornado on a Wall

In summary, the pressure inside a large tornado can be as low as 0.2 atm, while atmospheric pressure is 101300 Pa. To calculate the outward force on a 11m X 16m wall when a tornado envelopes a house, we must consider the net force, taking into account the pressure both inside and outside the house. The area of the wall is 176 m^2 and the pressure is 20260 Pa, resulting in an approximate outward force of 3.56576 X 10^6 N. However, this calculation may be incorrect if the pressure inside the house is not zero, which is not specified in the problem.
  • #1
kiwikahuna
61
0

Homework Statement


Air within the funnel of a large tornado may have a pressure of only 0.2 atm. Atmospheric pressure is 101300 Pa. What is the approximate outward force F on a 11m X 16 m wall if a tornado suddenly envelopes the house? Answer in units of N.


Homework Equations


P = F/A


The Attempt at a Solution



I converted 0.2 atm to 20260 Pa. The area is 11m X 16 m = 176 m^2.

F = (20260 Pa) (176 m^2)
F = 3.56576 X 10^6 N

The answer is wrong. What did I overlook?
 
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  • #2
is there 0 pressure inside the house?
 
  • #3
The problem doesn't say.
 
  • #4
kiwikahuna said:
I converted 0.2 atm to 20260 Pa. The area is 11m X 16 m = 176 m^2.

F = (20260 Pa) (176 m^2)
F = 3.56576 X 10^6 N

The answer is wrong. What did I overlook?
For one thing, you only calculated the inward force exerted by the air outside the house. As ice109 says, you forgot that it's the air inside the house that pushes the walls outward. (Find the net force.)
 
  • #5
kiwikahuna said:
The problem doesn't say.

you have to infer it. if this house is inside the atmosphere is there zero pressure inside the house?
 
  • #6
Doc Al said:
For one thing, you only calculated the inward force exerted by the air outside the house. As ice109 says, you forgot that it's the air inside the house that pushes the walls outward. (Find the net force.)

cheater...
 

Related to Calculating Outward Force of a Tornado on a Wall

1. How is the outward force of a tornado on a wall calculated?

The outward force of a tornado on a wall is calculated using the formula F = ρ * V^2 * A, where F is the force, ρ is the air density, V is the wind speed, and A is the area of the wall.

2. What factors influence the outward force of a tornado on a wall?

The outward force of a tornado on a wall is influenced by the air density, wind speed, and the size and shape of the wall. Other factors such as the strength and intensity of the tornado may also play a role.

3. Can the outward force of a tornado on a wall cause structural damage?

Yes, the outward force of a tornado on a wall can cause significant structural damage, especially if the wall is not properly reinforced or designed to withstand extreme weather conditions.

4. How can the outward force of a tornado on a wall be mitigated?

The best way to mitigate the outward force of a tornado on a wall is to reinforce the wall with sturdy materials and proper construction techniques. Building codes and regulations also play a crucial role in ensuring the structural integrity of buildings in tornado-prone areas.

5. Is there a way to predict the outward force of a tornado on a wall?

While it is not possible to predict the exact outward force of a tornado on a wall, meteorologists and scientists can estimate the force based on the strength and intensity of the tornado, as well as the size and shape of the wall in its path.

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