The snow physics discussed was kept
general and simple. The
physics of snow can become very detailed and complicated. The uncertainty of the
information in this examination is proportional to its
simplicity. (In
reality snow does not simply fall straight down at a constant
speed). The purpose
of this is to examine what has been omitted and why, and to
critique what has been examined in order to alter and make
future examinations of physics better.
Clouds are in their own category and
deserve their own examination.
The relevance of clouds was considered minor and
therefore the uncertainty and lack of information surrounding
them is high.
The definition of snow examined was general and the snow types were kept brief. An example of
non-traditional snowfall is diamond dust. This occurs at
extremely cold temperatures.
This is readily seen in Fairbanks, Alaska during the
winters when the air is so cold the moisture in the air
crystallizes. It
appears as though tiny dust like diamonds are suspended and
sparkling in the air.
The kinematics used in determining
velocity of falling snow was kept very simple. The simple path was
chosen over the complex path for simplicity reasons. The acceleration from
the particles position in the cloud to its terminal velocity was considered
negligible in the discussion, and therefore irrelevant and
unnecessary.
I kept the ground properties of snow basic
since the ideas and physics involved can be extrapolated and
applied for everyday use. One
such example would be road surfaces and the interaction with
vehicles (see friction). The description of wet
and dry snow should make this simpler to understand. Roads are slippery
when wet, more slippery when covered in wet snow. Friction will increase
if the snow is dry, more probable in colder conditions, unless
water particles freeze in a rounded spherical form. All other factors
applicable to physics and driving on snowy/icy roads are not
considered necessary. The
focus is on snow physics not the physics
of driving or walking on snow.
Avalanches are their own topic as
well and involve an enormous amount of time, effort and physical
examination. There
are many factors that can cause the gravitational
force in the direction of the slope to become greater than
the static friction. The
effects of a concussive blast, detonated to trigger a controlled
slide. In
opposition there are many factors that can reduce the static friction of snow and the
bonds between it and the slope.
The association of energy and snow is found in
every part of every topic in this examination. The basics of energy
were discussed and the most
important parts should be reiterated. The albedo, insulation
properties, and three states of snow: liquid, solid and gaseous
are the most important properties.
The physics from these can be extrapolated and applied globally and locally.
One of the most famous
questions is whether there are two snowflakes
exactly alike? Whether
or not they are exactly alike, does not matter in this
examination. They
were considered in a “simple” sense
but different enough to be categorized. To create a new equation for each snowflake is
impractical. The typing of snowflakes is more
practical and simpler. Again,
it is energy which makes
this decision. It
would take far too much energy, with too little benefit, to
create a new equation for each snowflake.
The main concern of
this examination was to understand the basic physics involved
with snow. Questions raised
are how analogous problems are treated with respect to
practicality and uncertainty?
How much simplification should be performed in the name
of practicality? From
my perspective the less practical route is usually more fun and
interesting.
Bibliography Home |