pressure = force / area

[bumblebee123]

I keep getting the wrong answer. Can anyone tell me what I'm doing wrong?

question: pressure = force / area
the lengths of the edges of a rectangular block are 1.5m, 2m and 2.5m
the weight of the block is 7500N
the bow rests with one of its faces in contact with the ground.
calculate the least possible pressure the box exerts on the ground

I tried to find the area of the box: 1.5 * 2 * 2.5 = 7.5

then I tried to find the pressure: 7500 / 7.5 = 1000 pascals

however, this is the wrong answer! ( it's actually 1500 pascals )

any help would be really appreciated

 

[HallsofIvy]

Yes, pressure is "force/area". Since the force (weight) of this object is constant, the pressure will be least when the area is greatest. Which face has the greatest area?

(Width times length times height, 1.5* 2* 2.5, is NOT area, it is volume.)

 

[bumblebee123]

Yes, pressure is "force/area". Since the force (weight) of this object is constant, the pressure will be least when the area is greatest. Which face has the greatest area?

(Width times length times height, 1.5* 2* 2.5, is NOT area, it is volume.)

oh my god I'm such an idiot, hahaha- why did I think that was the area!?

Okay, sorry that was a stupid mistake lol.

so the biggest area would be: 2 * 2.5 = 5

7500N / 5 m^2 = 1500 pascals

thank you!