Question

A block of mass of a $2kg$ with dimensions $5cm\times 20cm\times 10cm$ respectively. The ratio of minimum to maximum pressure it exerts on the change in orientation is:

• A. $1:1$
• B. $1:2$
• C. $1:4$
• D. $4:1$

Answer 1

The correct option is C $1:4$

Pressure is the force per unit area. So, $P=F/A$

Thus, minimum surface area $(5cm\times 10cm)$ will give the maximum pressure and maximum area $(20cm\times 10cm)$ will give the minimum pressure.

So, $P_{max}=\frac{2g}{50\times {10}^{-4}}N/m^2$ and $P_{min}=\frac{2g}{200\times {10}^{-4}}N/m^2$

Thus, $\frac{P_{min}}{P_{max}}=50/200=1/4$

The option C will be right.