MadSci Network: Physics
Query:

Re: How does the 'floor' know when to push up?

Date: Tue Feb 16 10:45:35 1999
Posted By: Avra Brahma, Grad student, Aerospace Engineering, OSU
Area of science: Physics
ID: 916966107.Ph
Message:

mara,

solids are characterised by their ability to resist deformation. they are 
able to resist deformation because they can develop much larger 
internal shear stresses than fluids. these internal stresses counteract the 
deforming force (and provide a basis for the third law).

it's nature's way that these resistive forces start developing the instant 
the deforming force acts. this should answer the "when" part.

how much? as much as you apply on the floor, up to a limit,beyond which 
point the floor would give.

i'm still not sure i've answered your question. if you want to know why 
this kind of response is "programmed" so to say into the floor's behaviour, 
then you have uncovered a subtlety.the floor does not follow the laws we 
make. WE discover laws that explain the floor's behaviour. once again, it's 
nature's way.


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