Eli5: why do slaps with a wet object (wet towel or hand )hurt worse than a dry object? (Dry Towel or hand)
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It’s a lot heavier, and the water sticks between and inside the fibers, which means air can’t pass through the material as easily. Both of these contribute to the force transferred into the slapee.
A wet towel is carrying a whole lot more mass, is thus less impacted by friction and packs more impulse.
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Answer: When you slap someone with a wet object, like a wet towel or hand, it can feel more painful compared to using a dry object because of a few reasons.
Firstly, the water on the wet object acts as a lubricant, reducing friction between the object and the skin. This allows the wet object to make better contact with the skin, delivering the force more efficiently. With less friction, the slapping motion can transfer more energy to the skin, resulting in a stronger impact and a sensation of increased pain.
Secondly, the water on the wet object can slightly change the behavior of the skin. Our skin has a layer called the stratum corneum, which helps protect us from damage. When the stratum corneum comes into contact with water, it softens and becomes more susceptible to injury. So, when you get slapped with a wet object, the softened skin is more easily stretched and impacted by the force, causing the sensation of heightened pain.
Additionally, the wetness on the skin can also stimulate our nerve endings more effectively, making us more aware of the sensation and amplifying the perception of pain.
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