Question

It is much easier to burst an inflated balloon with a needle than by a finger. Explain.

Answer 1

Pressure

1. The force per unit area perpendicular to the surface is defined as pressure.
2. SI unit of pressure is Pascal.

Formula of pressure

$P=\frac{F}{A}[whereP=pressure,F=force,A=area]$

Analyzing

1. We know that pressure generated by a force is inversely proportional to the area where it is applied.
2. Since, the needle tip has a smaller cross-section than our finger.
3. The needle tip will exert more pressure than the finger.
4. Hence, it is much easier to burst an inflated balloon with a needle than by a finger.