Question

An equal force of 100 N is applied upon two similar sharp nails at different angles as shown in figure ⇒

The ratio of P(I) : P(II) will be?

• A. 1 : 1
• B. 2 : √3
• C. √3 : 2
• D. 2 : 1

Answer 1

The correct option is B

2 : √3

Only normal component of force will be responsible to drive the nail right through the wall orthogonally.
Therefore in case (I) normal component of force is the total applied force but in case (II), F cos${30}^{\circ }$ will be the normal component.
$\Rightarrow \frac{p\left(I\right)}{p\left(II\right)}=\frac{F\left(I\right)/A}{F\left(II\right)/A}=\frac{F}{Fcos{30}^{\circ }}=\frac{2}{\sqrt{3}}$
$\Rightarrow \left(B\right)$