Question

A sharp knife cuts an apple more easily than a blunt knife. Explain why?

Answer 1

1. Sharp knife cuts an apple more easily than a blunt knife because it exerts a large amount of pressure.
2. $Pressure=\frac{force}{Area}$
3. From the above relationship we can say that pressure is inversely proportional to the area of the cross-section. With an increase in area, pressure will get decreased and vice versa.
4. Thus sharp knife having a sharp edge with less area will apply maximum pressure on the apple cutting it easily.
5. While the blunt edge will have a larger area as compared to the sharp edge, the pressure applied by the blunt edge will be less.