3. What exerts a greater force on the table of 2 kg book lying flat or a 2 kg book on its side? Which applies greater pressure? If the book measures .3m x.2 m x.05m Calculate
the pressure applied in each situation.

A book on its side exerts a greater force.

Explanation:

Pressure = Force / Area

Assuming that 1kg = 10N

2kg = 20N

Area of book lying flat = 0.3m × 0.2m

                                     = 0.6m²

Pressure of book lying flat = 20N / 0.6m²

                                            = 30Pa (1 s.f.)

Area of book on its side = 0.2m × 0.05m

                                        = 0.01m²

Pressure of book on its side = 20N / 0.01m²

                                               = 2000Pa (1 s.f.)

Since 2000Pa (1 s.f.) > 30Pa (1 s.f.), a book on its side applies greater pressure than lying flat.