Question

If a force is applied on a smaller area of contact, the pressure exerted by it is greater or smaller or same

Answer 1

if the area is smaller the force will be more as force and area are indirectly proportional

Answer 2

If a force is applied on a smaller area of contact, the pressure exerted by it will be greater. This is because of the following reasons-

• pressure is calculated as force/area. If there is a decrease in the area and the force is constant, it results in greater pressure.
• That is why, knives have sharp edges as they are meant for cutting and piercing, and building have large foundations in order to distribute the pressure of the whole building over a large area.