2006-06-14 03:13:21 · 10 answers · asked by hateflyy 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
Cutting is to sever molecular bonds at macroscopic level. That sounds really stiff so lets take a look at what will happened if one tries to sever these bonds with a dull edge. The pressure applied by the dull edge would squash the material one tries to cut and it would take more force to sever these bonds. On the other hand we could use a sharp edge and sharp edge will squash less and will need lesser force to cut. It all a matter of force and pressure and as you know pressure is force per area (P=F/A).
I hope it was helpful
2006-06-14 03:29:41 · answer #1 · answered by Edward 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I like this question. I have thought about it before, myself.
Imagine a 30-meter tall giant with an axe. She thinks her axe is sharp but we look at it and it looks rough and ragged with no sharp edges. To the giant, the axe cuts because the giant can't (or doesn't bother to) see the details. If you look at the details, you'll see that cutting is an illusion of scale. Nothing is ever really cut, it is only crushed, wedged, torn, or otherwise moved out of the way to part two things.
2006-06-14 18:49:07 · answer #2 · answered by jaygysler 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There sharp and the force they exert is focused to a small area on the blade and it basically split what you are cutting breaking and bonding that holds it together
2006-06-14 03:22:50 · answer #3 · answered by dch921 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They don't actually cut, sharp things if examined closely are actually wedge shaped and that shape allows them to wedge in and break apart what ever your trying to cut. Now a saw on the other hand applys the wedge and at the same time it rips away at what ever you are trying to cut.
Hope this answers your question. :)
2006-06-14 03:19:57 · answer #4 · answered by Appalachian Arbiter 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
we know that pressure = force/area. if you observe carefully, all sharp things have got very less contact area i.e the area which actually cuts into an object is very very less, and is further decreased by sharpening. thus a force applied produces high pressure and the object is cut through.
2006-06-14 03:18:56 · answer #5 · answered by Anirudh 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because they have a small surface area. And..ummm. that makes them sharp
2006-06-14 03:17:51 · answer #6 · answered by Me 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
because they are sharp
2006-06-14 03:19:16 · answer #7 · answered by Fatty girl 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
somethings are meant to hurt
2006-06-21 03:15:21 · answer #8 · answered by WDubsW 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
come on!!!
2006-06-14 03:16:13 · answer #9 · answered by TKO 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
so dull things wont..................
2006-06-14 03:16:03 · answer #10 · answered by rottentothecore 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋