Question

if a 200 newton force is acting in the block of dimensions 20 cm x 10 cm x 5 cm , find the maximum and minimum pressure exerted by the sides of the block

Answer 1

Answer:

The maximum pressure will be 40000 N

       minimum pressure will be 10000 N

Explanation:

We know that,

Pressure = Force / Area

Hence,

Pressure ∝ 1/Area

If area increases, pressure decreases

If area decreases, pressure increases

Hence,

Maximum area = 20×10 = 200cm² = 200×10⁻⁴ m² = 2×10⁻² m²

Minimum area = 10×5 = 50cm² = 5×10⁻³ m²

If area is maximum, pressure will be minimum

Minimum pressure = 200/2×10⁻²

                               = 10000 N

If area is minimum, pressure will be maximum

Maximum pressure = 200//5×10⁻³

                                = 40000 N