We’ve all experienced the explosive expulsion of air that is a sneeze. Maybe it tickles your nose, or maybe it’s a reaction to dust or pollen. But have you ever stopped to think about the sheer force behind a sneeze? Here’s the surprising fact: a sneeze can travel at speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour!
That’s right, that forceful expulsion of air can propel tiny droplets of mucus and saliva at incredible velocities. Think about the fastest land animal on Earth – the cheetah, clocking in at around 70 miles per hour. A good sneeze can easily outrun a cheetah!
This impressive feat is due to the sudden increase in pressure within the lungs as we build up to the sneeze. When the sneeze is finally unleashed, the air and expelled particles erupt outwards at high speeds.
But why is this sneeze superpower a thing? Well, it serves an important evolutionary purpose. The forceful expulsion helps clear irritants and pathogens from the nasal passages, protecting us from infection. Those tiny droplets might be gross, but they’re essentially our body’s way of launching a counterattack against unwanted invaders.
Here’s an interesting side note: the high velocity of a sneeze is also why it’s important to cover your mouth and nose when you feel one coming on. By containing the sneeze, you can significantly reduce the spread of germs to others.
So next time you feel a sneeze coming on, embrace your inner superhero! That explosive burst of air is a testament to the incredible power of the human body, even in its most involuntary moments. Just remember to be courteous and cover up to keep those super-powered sneezes from becoming a public health hazard.