Question

Lateral pressure is exerted by

• A. liquids
• B. gases
• C. solids
• D. both (A) and (B)

Answer 1

The correct option is A

liquids

Correct option (A): liquids

Lateral pressure

1. Sideways pressure exerted by liquid because of its desire to flow is called lateral pressure.
2. When a bottle carrying water is pierced on the sides we can see water flowing out swiftly from the holes.
3. This is due to the lateral pressure that liquid has on the container's walls.

Explanation of incorrect option

B: Pressure in gases

1. A substance can apply pressure on another substance by exerting a force per unit of area.
2. A gas's pressure is defined as the force it applies to the container's walls.
3. A balloon expands as air is blown into it because the pressure of the air molecules inside the balloon is greater than the pressure outside.
4. Gases exert pressure in all directions.

C: Pressure in solids

1. A solid exerts a normal contact force equal to its weight when it is resting on a horizontal surface.
2. The area of contact determines how much pressure the solid exerts on the surface.

Thus, lateral pressure is exerted by liquids.

Hence, option (B) is the correct answer.