You press a stick that has a varying cross-sectional area horizontally between the palms of your hands. The area of the stick pushing against your left palm is twice the area of the stick pushing against your right palm. The force on your left palm is __________ the force on your right palm.
A) 1/4
B) 1/2
C) equal to
D) 2 times
E) 4 times

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The force exerted by the stick on both palms will be equal because the pressure exerted by the stick is the same on both sides, despite the difference in area. This is due to the principle of equilibrium, where the forces must balance out for the stick to remain stationary.

You Press a Stick That Has a Varying Cross-Sectional Area