The magnitude of the force exerted on the otter's back while swimming at that depth is 25,000 Newtons.
How to solve
To calculate the magnitude of the force (F) exerted on the otter's back, we need to consider the pressure and the surface area. Here's how:
1. Use the formula for pressure:
Pressure (P) is defined as force per unit area. Therefore, the force (F) exerted on the otter's back can be calculated using the formula:
F = P * A
where:
F is the force in Newtons (N)
P is the pressure in Pascals (Pa)
A is the surface area in square meters (m²)
2. Plug in the given values:
P = 50,000 Pa (given)
A = 0.5 m² (given)
3. Calculate the force:
F = 50,000 Pa * 0.5 m² = 25,000 N
Therefore, the magnitude of the force exerted on the otter's back while swimming at that depth is 25,000 Newtons.
The Complete Question
An otter is swimming in the deep area of its tank at the zoo. The surface area of the otter's back is 0.5 square meters. Calculate the magnitude of the force (F) exerted on the otter's back while swimming if the pressure at that depth is 50,000 Pascals.