A silver dollar, a quarter, and a penny(these are in order of decreasing diameter) lie at the bottom of a wishing well filled with water. The coin experiencing the largest downward force on its top surface due to the water pressure is the
A) silver dollar.
B) quarter.
C) penny.
D) All experience the same downward force.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The downward force experienced by a coin due to water pressure depends on the surface area of the coin in contact with the water. The larger the surface area, the larger the downward force. Since the silver dollar has the largest surface area, it will experience the largest downward force, followed by the quarter and then the penny. Therefore, the correct choice is A) silver dollar.

A Silver Dollar, a Quarter, and a Penny(these Are in Order