One of the dangers of tornados and hurricanes is the rapid drop in air pressure that is associated with such storms. Assume that the air pressure inside of a sealed house is 1.02 atm when a hurricane hits. The hurricane rapidly decreases the external air pressure to 0.910 atm. A square window in an outside wall of the house measures 2.02 m on each side. What net force (directed outwards) is exerted on this window? (1 atm = 1.01 × 10⁵ Pa.) A) 4.53 × 10⁴ N B) 5.14 × 10⁴ N C) 4.78 × 10⁵ N D) 5.37 × 10⁵ N

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

First, we need to calculate the difference in pressure on each side of the window:

ΔP = Poutside - Pinside
ΔP = 0.910 atm - 1.02 atm
ΔP = -0.11 atm

Since the pressure outside is lower than inside, the net force on the window will be directed outwards. We can use the following formula to calculate this force:

F = ΔP * A

where F is the net force, ΔP is the pressure difference, and A is the area of the window. Substituting the given values:

F = (-0.11 atm) * (2.02 m)^2 = -4.53 × 10^4 N

Since the question asks for the net force directed outwards, we need to take the absolute value of this answer:

F = 4.53 × 10^4 N

Therefore, the best choice is A, with a net force of 4.53 × 10^4 N directed outwards.

One of the Dangers of Tornados and Hurricanes Is the Rapid