Question

It is better to use a sharp tipped nail than a blunt nail because:

• A. the tip with the smallest area will produce a higher pressure when a small force is applied
• B. a sharp tipped nail needs a larger force to drive it into wooden surface
• C. the sharp tip saves cost as less raw materials are required to make such nails
• D. the sharp tip has a spiralling effect when the nail is hit on the head

Answer 1

The correct option is A the tip with the smallest area will produce a higher pressure when a small force is applied

The pressure is defined as the force per unit area. i.e $P=F/A$

So the pressure depends on the force F and area A of contact.

As sharp tipped nail has very small area of contact than a blunt nail (not sharp), so it will give more pressure when a small force is applied.

Thus, option A can be correct.