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 pressure on your left palm is ____________ the pressure on your right palm.
A)1/4
B)1/2
C)equal to
D)2 times
E)4 times

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Pressure is defined as force per unit area. Since the force you apply is the same on both sides of the stick, the pressure is directly proportional to the cross-sectional area. Therefore, the pressure on your left palm is half of the pressure on your right palm, as the area of the stick pushing against your left palm is twice the area pushing against your right palm.

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