University Physics with Modern Physics (14th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321973615
ISBN 13: 978-0-32197-361-0

Chapter 12 - Fluid Mechanics - Problems - Discussion Questions - Page 390: Q12.27

Answer

There is a large difference in pressure between the higher pressure on the outside and the lower pressure on the inside of a tornado. Objects in the path of a tornado can be ripped apart by the strong forces resulting from this large pressure difference.

Work Step by Step

The wind speed in the center of a tornado is greater than the wind speed at the outside. When air moves faster, then the pressure is lower, so there is a large difference in pressure between the higher pressure on the outside and the lower pressure on the inside of a tornado. Objects in the path of a tornado can be ripped apart by the strong forces resulting from this large pressure difference. Note that $F = (P_2-P_1)~A$, where $F$ is the force, $P_2-P_1$ is the pressure difference, and $A$ is the area of the object.
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