Question

A chef while cooking, cuts his hand with a sharp-edged knife. To his surprise, his hand did not get a cut with a spoon even on the application of a greater force. What is the reason for this difference?

• A. For the same force, the pressure developed in the knife is much larger due to its sharp edge than the spoon.
• B. For the same force, the pressure developed in the knife is much smaller due to its sharp edge than the spoon.
• C. Due to gravity.
• D. Can't be said.

Answer 1

The correct option is A

For the same force, the pressure developed in the knife is much larger due to its sharp edge than the spoon.

Sharpness decreases the surface area and since the edge of a knife is very sharp, the effective area on which force is applied decreases. Therefore, the pressure developed is much larger with the same force being applied.