Question

A column of air extending up to height of the atmosphere and base of area $10cm\times 10cm$ was kept above a boy's head. Why didn't he get crushed?

• A. The pressure inside his body is equal to the atmospheric pressure.
• B. The pressure inside his body is higher than the atmospheric pressure.
• C. His skin is not sensitive enough to feel it.
• D. The pressure inside his body is lower than the atmospheric pressure.

Answer 1

The correct option is A The pressure inside his body is equal to the atmospheric pressure.

The pressure exerted by the atmosphere is called atmospheric pressure. Inside the body, the flowing blood and body fluids create a pressure which counters the effect of atmospheric pressure. We are not crushed because the atmospheric pressure is balanced by the pressure inside our body.