Question

Children are told to avoid standing too close to a rapidly moving train because they might get sucked under it. Is this possible? Explain.

Short answer

Due to the pressure difference between near and distant air from the train, the child might be pushed towards it.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the application of Bernoulli's principle near the moving train

The air near the moving train is at low pressure, and the air at high pressure is far away from the train.The difference in the pressure develops the force which acts toward the train.

Understanding the reason behind the child might getting sucked under the train when he is standing too close to it

The difference in the high and low pressure around the train creates the force. This force is created by the moving wind towards the train.

If the wind speed is high enough and the child's weight is less, the child may be pushed towards the train. It appears like the train sucking the child towards it.

If the train's speed is greater, the pressure difference will be greater, and the force magnitude will also be greater. Thus, the child will be pushed with a higher magnitude toward the train.

Thus, it is possible that the child might get sucked under the train if he is standing too close to a rapidly moving train.