Question

it is correct to say that (a) solid exert downward pressure only? (b) fruits exert pressure in all directions?

Answer 1

solid exerts force as a vector (pressure is force on an area), a liquid exerts force in all directions.

That said, pressure itself is not differentiated by the state of matter producing it.

@skb

Answer 2

Thrust acting per unit surface area is called pressure. Thrust is the force acting on an object perpendicular to its surface.

Pressure = Thrust × Area .

In SI system, pressure is measured in newton per square metre (N/m2) which is equal to 1 pascal (Pa). For a given force, smaller the area, larger the pressure on the surface. For example, in order to push nails into walls, sharp nails are used, as the area of contact of the nail with the wall is small and more pressure acts on it for a given force.

Like solids, fluids (liquids and gases) also exert pressure.
a) A solid exerts pressure only in the downward direction due its weight.
b) Liquids and gases exert pressure in all directions. Hence liquids and gases exert pressure on the walls of their container. Liquids exert equal pressure on all the sides of a container at the same level.
Generally fruits are composed of liquid.