Chapter 3 -- Force and Pressure

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Questions and Answers

Why are army tanks designed to move on caterpillar wheels?

Army tanks use caterpillar wheels to increase their surface area, which helps reduce the pressure exerted on the ground and prevents them from sinking.

How does a wide foundation benefit buildings?

A wide foundation allows the weight of the building to spread over a larger area, which reduces the pressure on the ground and prevents sinking.

In what way does a porter’s turban help when carrying heavy loads?

A porter wears a turban to increase the area of contact between the load and his head, which reduces the pressure and makes it more comfortable to carry.

What is the purpose of broad straps on school and shopping bags?

Broad straps are used on school and shopping bags to increase the area of contact with the hand or shoulder, thereby reducing the pressure and increasing comfort. Signup and view all the answers

Why are wide wooden sleepers placed below railway tracks?

Wide wooden sleepers distribute the pressure exerted by the rails over a larger area, which lessens the pressure on the ground and improves track stability. Signup and view all the answers

Why do pointed nails go deeper into surfaces than blunt ones?

Pointed nails exert greater pressure due to their smaller area of contact, allowing them to penetrate surfaces more easily. Signup and view all the answers

How do cutting tools utilize the concept of pressure?

Cutting tools have sharp edges that minimize the area of contact, resulting in increased pressure that aids in cutting. Signup and view all the answers

Explain why a lady finds it difficult to walk on a muddy road with pointed heel sandals.

The pointed heels exert more pressure on the ground, causing them to sink into the mud, making walking difficult. Signup and view all the answers

Why do heavy trucks have multiple tyres?

Heavy trucks have multiple tyres to increase the area of contact with the ground, thereby reducing pressure on the surface. Signup and view all the answers

What advantage do camels have in sandy terrains compared to horses?

Camels have broader feet, which distribute weight over a larger area, resulting in less pressure on sand and easier movement. Signup and view all the answers

Why do skiers use long flat skis on snow?

Skiers use long flat skis to increase the area of contact, reducing pressure on the snow and allowing them to slide without sinking. Signup and view all the answers

How does the pressure exerted by narrow heeled sandals compare to broad heeled shoes?

Narrow heeled sandals exert more pressure on the ground than broad heeled shoes due to their smaller area of contact. Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between area of contact and pressure when applying force?

As the area of contact decreases, pressure increases, and as the area increases, pressure decreases. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Examples of Pressure in Our Daily Life

Decrease in Area Increases Pressure

A nail has a sharp pointed end and a blunt flat end; the sharp end exerts greater pressure due to a smaller contact area, allowing it to penetrate surfaces effectively.
Cutting tools like blades and knives feature sharp edges, which reduce contact area and therefore increase pressure when force is applied.
Pointed heel sandals exert more pressure on soft surfaces like mud compared to flat heels, making walking difficult on such terrains.
A narrow heeled sandal causes more discomfort than a broad heeled shoe because the narrower heel exerts greater pressure on the ground.

Increase in Area Decreases Pressure

Heavy trucks have six to eight tires to increase the area of contact, thereby reducing pressure exerted on the ground.
Camels, which have broader feet than horses, move more easily on sand as their wider feet lower pressure, preventing sinking.
Skiers utilize long, flat skis to create a larger contact area with snow, minimizing pressure and enabling smoother sliding without sinking.
Army tanks operate on broad caterpillar wheels rather than narrow tires, increasing surface area to reduce ground pressure and prevent sinking.
Building foundations are designed to be wide, allowing the weight to be distributed over a larger area, which decreases pressure and prevents sinking into the earth.
Porters wear turbans to enhance load distribution on their heads, thereby increasing contact area and reducing pressure during transport.
School and shopping bags are equipped with broad straps to increase the area of pressure on shoulders or hands, minimizing discomfort.
Wide wooden sleepers are placed under railway tracks to lower ground pressure exerted by the weight of the rails, preventing sinking.

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Description

Explore the concepts of force and pressure in everyday life through specific examples. Understand how the shape and area of an object affect pressure, such as sharpening tools for better efficiency. This quiz will enhance your comprehension of these physical principles.