Final answer:
The force exerted by atmospheric pressure on a 0.085 m by 0.11 m sheet of paper is approximately 944.35 Newtons. This is calculated by multiplying the atmospheric pressure (101 kPa) by the area of the paper. The paper withstands this force due to equal pressure applied on all sides.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question pertains to the force exerted by the atmospheric pressure on a sheet of paper. To calculate this force, we first need to know the atmospheric pressure and the area of the sheet of paper. Atmospheric pressure at sea level averages 101 kPa, also known as standard atmospheric pressure, which is equivalent to a force of 101,000 Newtons exerted over an area of one square meter.
To find the force exerted on one side of the paper, we multiply the atmospheric pressure by the area of the paper. The given dimensions of the sheet are 0.085 m by 0.11 m, leading to an area of 0.00935 m². Therefore, the force exerted on one side of the paper is 101,000 N/m² multiplied by 0.00935 m², which equals approximately 944.35 Newtons.
The paper can withstand this force because the same pressure is applied on all sides, creating a balance. Thus, despite the large force exerted by the air, the paper does not collapse.