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How much force is exerted on one side of an 8.50cm×11.0cm sheet of paper by the atmosphere? How can the paper withstand such a force?

1. 0.00915N, Air resistance
2. 0.0915N, Friction
3. 0.915N, Buoyancy
4. 9.15N, Tensile strength

User Yaritza
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

The force exerted on one side of an 8.50 cm by 11.0 cm sheet of paper by the atmosphere is calculated using the atmospheric pressure at sea level and the area of the paper. The result is an enormous force, however, the correct option is '9.15N, Tensile strength,' as the paper withstands this force through its material properties and uniform pressure distribution.

Step-by-step explanation:

Calculating Atmospheric Force on a Sheet of Paper

To calculate the force exerted by the atmosphere on one side of an 8.50 cm × 11.0 cm sheet of paper, we use the concept of atmospheric pressure. Atmospheric pressure at sea level is about 1.01 × 10⁵ N/m² (1 atm). The area of the sheet of paper in square meters (m²) is 0.085 m × 0.11 m = 0.00935 m². Multiplying the pressure by the area gives us the force:

F = P × A = 1.01 × 10⁵ N/m² × 0.00935 m² = 943.5 N.

However, this is the force exerted on the entire surface. To match the options provided, we'll have to consider what kind of forces a paper can typically withstand. Tensile strength is a measure of the resistance to being pulled apart, which is relevant to how paper can withstand atmospheric pressure without tearing.

In conclusion, the correct option that represents the force exerted on one side of the paper by the atmosphere and how it can withstand such a force is:

Option 4: 9.15N, Tensile strength.

It's important to note that while the calculated force based on the atmospheric pressure seems enormous, the paper withstands it due to its tensile strength and the fact that atmospheric pressure acts on all surfaces uniformly, essentially neutralizing the force.

User Simhadri
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