Question

Interactive Solution 11.13 presents a model for solving this problem. A solid concrete block weighs 100 N and is resting on the ground. Its dimensions are 0.400 m x 0.250 m x 0.130 m. A number of identical blocks are stacked on top of this one. What is the smallest number of whole bricks (including the one on the ground) that can be stacked so that their weight creates a pressure of at least two atmospheres on the ground beneath the first block

Answer 1

The value is
`} N = 66 \ blocks`

Step-by-step explanation:

From the question we are told that

The weight of the block is
`W_b = 100 \ N`

The dimension of the block is
`d = 0.400 m \ X \ 0.250 \ m \ X \ 0.130 \ m`

Generally two atmosphere is equivalent to

`P_(2atm) = 2 * 1.013 *10^(5) = 202600 \ N/m^2`

Generally 1 atm =
`1.013 *10^(5) N/m^2`

The area of the block would be evaluated using width and height because we need for the smaller surface to be in contact with the ground in order to maximize the pressure and minimize number of blocks

So

`A = 0.250 * 0.130`

=>
`A = 0.0325 \ m^2`

Generally the force due to this blocks is mathematically represented as

`F = N * W_b`

Here N is the number of blocks

So

`} 202600 = (N * 100 )/( 0.0325)`

=>
`}  N  =  66 \  blocks`