The problem asks us to calculate the pressure exerted by a block on the ground in two different scenarios. In both cases, the force exerted by the block is 5 N. The area of contact with the ground changes: a) Area = 0.04 $m^2$ b) Area = 0.025 $m^2$ We need to use the formula pressure = force/area to find the pressure in each case.

1. Problem Description

The problem asks us to calculate the pressure exerted by a block on the ground in two different scenarios. In both cases, the force exerted by the block is 5 N. The area of contact with the ground changes:

a) Area = 0.04 $m^2$

b) Area = 0.025 $m^2$

We need to use the formula pressure = force/area to find the pressure in each case.

2. Solution Steps

The formula for pressure is:

$Pressure = \frac{Force}{Area}$

a) When the block is flat on the ground, the area is 0.04 $m^2$ and the force is 5 N.

$Pressure_a = \frac{5}{0.04}$

$Pressure_a = 125$ $N/m^2$

b) When the block is standing on its side, the area is 0.025 $m^2$ and the force is 5 N.

$Pressure_b = \frac{5}{0.025}$

$Pressure_b = 200$ $N/m^2$

3. Final Answer

a) The pressure exerted by the block when flat on the ground is 125 $N/m^2$.

b) The pressure exerted by the block when standing on its side is 200 $N/m^2$.