Question

A chef while cooking cuts his hand with a sharp edged knife, but to his surprise his hand did not cut with a spoon even on the application of a greater force. Why it did cut from a knife for a smaller force.

Answer 1

Explanation:

1. Pressure is defined as force per unit area $P=\frac{F}{A}$
2. Its unit is $Newtonpermetersquare(N/m^2)$.
3. From the formula of pressure, we know that pressure is inversely proportional to the area.
4. In the case of a spoon, it has a large surface area therefore, the pressure applied is less.
5. Whereas, in the case of a knife, the area in use is less therefore, the pressure applied by a knife is more.
6. The pressure of the knife and its sharpness, even with less force, is responsible for the cut on the chef's hand.
7. A spoon is blunt, and even with greater force, it cannot cut the chef's hand.
8. Due to the following reasons, the chef cut his hand with the knife and not with a spoon.