Final answer:
To convert the atmospheric pressure exerted on a desktop with a surface area of 1.53 m² to pounds, we multiply the area by the atmospheric pressure and then convert the force from newtons to pounds, resulting in approximately 3,475 pounds.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks us to convert the downward force of the air on a desktop with a surface area of 1.53 m² to pounds. We know that atmospheric pressure at sea level averages 1.01 × 10µ Pa, and pressure is the force exerted per unit area. So, the force exerted on the desktop can be calculated by the formula force = pressure × area.
First, we find the force in newtons (N) by multiplying the atmospheric pressure by the desktop surface area:
Force (N) = Atmospheric pressure (Pa) × Surface area (m²)
Force (N) = 1.01 × 10µ Pa × 1.53 m²
Force (N) = 1.5453 × 10µ N
Then we convert the force to pounds. Since 1 N is approximately equal to 0.224809 pounds, we multiply the force in newtons by this conversion factor.
Force (pounds) = 1.5453 × 10µ N × 0.224809 pounds/N
Force (pounds) ≈ 3,475 pounds
Therefore, the atmospheric pressure exerts a force of about 3,475 pounds on the desktop.