A vacuum cleaner works based on the principles of fluid dynamics, specifically the laws governing the flow of air. The operation of a vacuum cleaner relies on the concept of creating a partial vacuum, which allows the cleaner to suck up dirt, dust, and debris from the floor and other surfaces.
The key physics principle at play here is "Bernoulli's principle," which describes the relationship between the speed of a fluid (in this case, air) and its pressure. When air moves rapidly over a surface, its pressure decreases. The vacuum cleaner utilizes this principle in the following way:
Suction: The vacuum cleaner contains an electric motor that drives a fan or impeller. This fan creates a flow of air inside the cleaner, causing it to move rapidly over a narrow opening or nozzle. As the air moves quickly over the nozzle, its pressure decreases, creating a low-pressure area or partial vacuum.
Air intake: The nozzle of the vacuum cleaner is designed to direct the airflow towards the surface being cleaned. This airflow pulls in surrounding air, along with dust, dirt, and debris, into the nozzle.
Filtration: The air, along with the collected dirt and debris, is then directed through filters inside the vacuum cleaner. These filters trap the solid particles while allowing the air to continue its flow.
Exhaust: The filtered air is then released back into the room, and the collected dirt and debris are stored in a removable bag or container for later disposal.
By using the principles of fluid dynamics and Bernoulli's principle, a vacuum cleaner effectively creates a pressure difference that pulls in and collects dust and dirt, resulting in a cleaner living space.