Question

a large cargo trucks needs to cross a bridge the truck is 30m long, and 3.2 wide, the cargo exerts a force of 54,000 N the bridge can withstand 450 PA of pressure. is it safe for the truck to cross the bridge?

Answer 1

It isn't safe for the truck to cross the bridge because the pressure exerted by the truck on the bridge is greater than the maximum tolerable pressure for the bridge, 562.5 Pa > 450 Pa.

Step-by-step explanation:

Pressure is expressed in Force/Area.

So, for the truck, force exerted = 54000 N

Area covered = 30 × 3.2 = 96 m²

Pressure exerted by the truck = 54000/96 = 562.5 Pa

The pressure exerted by the truck on the bridge is greater than the maximum tolerable pressure for the bridge, 562.5 > 450, hence, it isn't safe for the truck to cross the bridge.