Book 14, Question 67
Why Do Squeaky Doors and Sneakers Squeak?
Squeaks come from something called stick-slip! Two surfaces rub together, stick for a moment, and then slip free. This happens over and over, super fast, and that makes the squeak.
More fun facts
- Sneaker squeaks come from tiny parts of the sole's ridges peeling off the floor one bit at a time.
- These little slips repeat about 4,800 times per second with a sneaker.
- Each slip gives the air a small kick, which makes the squeak.
- Scientists used to think squeaks came from simple stick and slip friction.
- A squeaky door hinge rings at a lower pitch when you open it slowly.
- The research team even played a song with sneaker squeaks.
Sources: Scientific American, Smithsonian Magazine, Science News Explores
Questions kids ask
Do squeaky doors squeak the same at every speed?
No. A squeaky door hinge rings at a lower pitch when you open it slowly.