Penetration facts for kids

Penetration is a word that describes when one thing goes into or through another. It can be used in many different ways, from how light passes through materials to how a product becomes popular in a market.

Science and Technology

In science and technology, "penetration" often talks about things passing through barriers or how deep something goes.

Through Walls and Barriers

• When a wire or cable goes through a wall or a special barrier, it's called a penetration. This is common in buildings for electricity and other systems.
• A firestop penetration is a special opening in a wall or floor that is designed to stop fire from spreading. These openings allow things like pipes or wires to pass through, but they are sealed to maintain the building's fire safety.

Depth and Impact

• Weapon penetration is about how well a weapon can go through a target's armor or other protection. For example, a special bullet might be designed for high penetration.
• Penetration depth refers to how far light or other types of energy, like radio waves, can travel into a material before they lose most of their power. For instance, sunlight can only penetrate water to a certain depth.
• Sometimes, an injury is called a penetrating injury when an object goes into the body's skin and tissues. Doctors treat these kinds of injuries carefully.
• In roofing, "penetrations" are places where pipes, vents, or supports for heating and cooling systems go through the roof. These spots need to be sealed properly to prevent leaks.
• In computer security, "penetration" can mean when someone manages to get past a system's security measures without permission.

Arts and Media

The word "penetration" also appears in the world of art and entertainment.

Art and Music

• Artistic penetration is a creative idea where an artist places their artwork inside another artist's exhibition. It's a way to make people think differently about art.
• Penetration is the name of a punk rock band that formed in the 1970s.
• Several songs are titled "Penetration," including one by Iggy and the Stooges on their album Raw Power, another by Pedro the Lion on Control, and a song by The Pyramids.
• The movie Body of Lies (film) was originally known by the title Penetration.

Other Uses

"Penetration" can describe other situations too, from military actions to sports.

Strategy and Success

• In warfare, a "penetration" happens when an army breaks through an enemy's defensive line and moves forward.
• Market penetration is a business term that describes how much a product or service is known and used by customers. If many people buy a new video game, it has high market penetration.
• In basketball, "penetration" refers to a player's ability to dribble the ball and drive past the opposing team's defense towards the basket.
• In magic tricks, "penetration" is an illusion where one object seems to pass right through another solid object, like a coin going through a table.