Scientists Crack the Case of 'Screeching' Scotch Tape

Slashdot

by msmash

February 25, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Scientists have uncovered the reason behind the screeching noise produced when tearing Scotch tape from a surface. This unpleasant sound, often compared to nails on a chalkboard, is generated by shock waves created as micro-cracks move across the tape at supersonic speeds. Researchers led by Sigurdur Thoroddsen utilized high-speed imaging and synchronized audio recording to capture both the fractures and the resulting sound waves. Earlier studies in 2010 identified transverse cracks racing across the adhesive, with a 2024 follow-up linking these cracks directly to the screeching noise. However, the exact mechanism remained elusive until now. The new findings reveal that as each crack forms, a partial vacuum develops between the tape and surface. Moving faster than air can fill the void, this vacuum travels along the tape until reaching its edge, where it collapses into stationary air, producing a distinct sound pulse. Understanding this phenomenon could have significant implications in fields like material science and acoustics. It not only explains an everyday annoyance but also offers insights into how materials behave under stress. This knowledge might aid in improving adhesives or designing quieter products, making it of great interest to tech enthusiasts and researchers alike.

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Originally published on Slashdot on 2/25/2026