Snake mathematics?

My boyfriend and I got into talking about how much force our boa would strike with, and just couldn't figure it out. All the math we did just did NOT come out correctly, so we were probably using the wrong equations. So the question is: how much force would be behind a 6ft, 13lb. boa's strike? I'm talking about how hard she would hit whatever she was going for.

I'm no matter genius, but I would think it's nearly impossible to calculate it accurately without measuring. If you were determined to go all mathlete, you'd need to know the speed of her head at impact, along with the weight of her body involved. Not total body, just what's moving. Even then, the impact force will be affected by the object she's striking. For example, a mouse is going to be moved quite a bit when struck, so the impact force will dissipate more than something with more resistance, like a brick wall.

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Neat physics question, but I'm pretty sure you would HAVE to have her speed upon impact at the very least to even get a basic average.
There are machines out there to measure speed, although I have no idea how to get my hands on one. Ask Mythbusters! :D
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http://www.ehow.com/how_7617983_calc...ce-impact.html

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Originally Posted by Archimedes

Neat physics question, but I'm pretty sure you would HAVE to have her speed upon impact at the very least to even get a basic average.
There are machines out there to measure speed, although I have no idea how to get my hands on one. Ask Mythbusters! :D
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Lmao my exact though was ask the Mythbusters!! Lol


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Originally Posted by Physician&Snakes

http://www.ehow.com/how_7617983_calc...ce-impact.html

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That's how to calculate the force of a falling object, calculating the force of a snakes' strike isn't the same.

You could use Newtons Second Law of Motion: F = ma (Force = mass x acceleration) Where m = the mass of the parts of the snake in motion and the acceleration is the second derivative of the position function of the snake while in motion.

Due to the potential for error in these measurements this will likely only yield an approximation, but it should at least give you an idea.

The simplest way to find out would be to have a snake strike a force plate and get a reading, but most people don't just have one of those laying around.

Force is Mass x Acceleration.

Now the snake doesn't hit with its whole body so that is going to be tricky right from the start then you need the length of the strike and the final speed of the strike to calculate the Acceleration.

Which is why I just say, "It hit the prey like a ton of bricks". Not that a ton of bricks has any more mass than a ton of anything else.

That is without even considering how much area that total force is spread over

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Force is Mass x Acceleration.

Now the snake doesn't hit with its whole body so that is going to be tricky right from the start then you need the length of the strike and the final speed of the strike to calculate the Acceleration.

Which is why I just say, "It hit the prey like a ton of bricks". Not that a ton of bricks has any more mass than a ton of anything else.

That is without even considering how much area that total force is spread over

What this thread is
http://www.davinciinstitute.com/wp-c...-einstein2.jpg

All I see
http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lp...jhv0o1_500.gif

Well hey, force plates are only like $250. If I could justify using it for more than just making my snake smack into it I'd probably seriously consider getting one.

Cool thread! I used to wonder this very thing after feeding my 9ft, 40 lb Boa girl. It was always a little unsettling to feel the force with which she hit her rabbits off tongs.