Pressure under a solid

3 marks · Normal

A metal object with a flat base is placed on the ground.

(a)

The object exerts a force of 180 N over a contact area of 0.060 m^2. Calculate the pressure on the ground.

[2 marks]

(b)

State the SI unit for pressure.

[1 mark]

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(a) 3000 Pa

(b) pascal

Also accept: Pa

Common mistakes: Forgetting to convert area if not in m^2

Show mark scheme and worked solution

Marking points

M1 (a) · 1 mark · Correct substitution into the equation p = F / A.

A1 (a) · 1 mark · Correct answer for pressure with unit. (follow-through)

B1 (b) · 1 mark · Correct identification of SI unit for pressure.

Worked solution

a) p = F / A = 180 N / 0.060 m^2 = 3000 Pa

b) The SI unit for pressure is the pascal (Pa).