We use vacuum suction cups every day, but have you ever stopped to think about how they actually work? They are neat little devices that employ neat science to stick to flat surfaces and hang objects on them. So what are you waiting for? Let's board the vacuum suction cups train and see how it really works.
How Vacuum Suction Cups Work
Vacuum suction cups are tiny superheroes, capable of lifting and sticking to things without using glue or sticky stuff. How is this possible? It begins with air. And when you affix a suction cup to an object and squeeze all the air out of the inside, a vacuum is created. That empty space causes less air pressure, so the cup is able to stick to the surface apparently by magic. Isn't that cool?
The Science Behind Vacuum Suction Cups
Now that you understand why vacuum suction cups possess a strong hold, let's discover the reason why such technology works as well as it does. In every Glass suction cup there exists a small pump which removes the air, creating the vacuum. The cup is flexible airtight material. That way it's able to form a seal over most surfaces and obtain a superb seal with each use.
The Physics of Suction Cups
Science teaches us about how things move and interact. For Vacuum suction pads that are sealed, the science is all about how they adhere. The minimal pressure difference caused by the vacuum from inside the cup holds the cup in place. This pressure makes the cup stick to the surface very firmly. It’s a high five for your hand – only instead of making a hitting sound, it sounds as if you’re giving a high five to a cup, then the cup sticks.
Why Some Things Stick Better
Why is it that certain things stick easily to a suction cup, yet other things won't? And it all comes down to adhesion — the force that enables things to stick together. Adhesive makes the cup stick to the surface without any adhesive being needed. Not everything that's useful is equally as sticky as everything else — some surfaces are stickier than others, okay? It's like it's some kind of secret handshake between cup and surface, keeping them together.
How Vacuum Suction Cups Operate
Now that we know the trick of Vacuum suction cups, let's marvel at how they operate. These small machines might seem straightforward, but they're not: They are actually highly advanced and deep. They can move heavy loads, stick to smooth surfaces and can even operate in extreme temperatures. The next time you lay your eyes on a suction cups consider the amazing science that makes it function.