A piece of the iron nail when kept horizontally on the surface of the sand, rests on it but when kept vertically digs a small hole. Why does this happen?
[1 Mark]

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Solution

We know that Pressure exerted, $P = \frac{F o r c e}{A r e a}$

When the iron nail is vertical, area of contact is less and since pressure is inversely proportional to area. So, pressure is more when iron nail is vertical. Hence, it digs a small hole in the sand only when placed vertically.
[1 Mark]

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A piece of the iron nail when kept horizontally on the surface of the sand, rests on it but when kept vertically digs a small hole. Why does this happen? [1 Mark]

We know that Pressure exerted, P=ForceArea When the iron nail is vertical, area of contact is less and since pressure is inversely proportional to area. So, pressure is more when iron nail is vertical. Hence, it digs a small hole in the sand only when placed vertically. [1 Mark]

A piece of the iron nail when kept horizontally on the surface of the sand, rests on it but when kept vertically digs a small hole. Why does this happen?
[1 Mark]