Greatest Pressure on Brick: Bottom Side

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In summary, the pressure on a brick that is totally immersed in water is greatest on the bottom of the brick because it is submerged the deepest. The pressure is the same on all other surfaces due to the constant force of the water. The answer is not affected by the area of the surfaces.
  • #1
jimbo71
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Homework Statement


Consider a brick that is totally immersed in water. The long edge of the brick is vertical. The pressure on the brick is
A. greatest on the sides of the brick
B. greatest on the face with the largest area
C. the same on all surfaces of the brick
D. greatest on the top of the brick
E. greatest on the bottom of the brick


Homework Equations


p=f/a
p=p0+dgh


The Attempt at a Solution


I think the answer should be choice E force is constant on all sides of the brick, the tops and bottoms have the smallest area and the bottom of the brick has more pressure than the top because it is submerged deeper.
 
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  • #2
jimbo71 said:
force is constant on all sides of the brick
No it isn't. (If by "constant" you mean "the same".)
, the tops and bottoms have the smallest area
True, but irrelevant. They are asking about pressure, which is force/area.
and the bottom of the brick has more pressure than the top because it is submerged deeper.
Bingo! That's all that matters. The pressure depends only on the depth, so the side that's submerged the deepest will experience the most pressure.
 
  • #3
This would result in a greater force being exerted on the bottom of the brick compared to the top. Additionally, the weight of the water above the bottom of the brick would contribute to the pressure on that side, making it the greatest pressure on the brick.
 

FAQ: Greatest Pressure on Brick: Bottom Side

What is the greatest pressure that can be exerted on the bottom side of a brick?

The greatest pressure that can be exerted on the bottom side of a brick is dependent on various factors such as the weight of the object placed on top of the brick, the surface area of the object, and the strength of the brick itself. However, in general, the maximum pressure that a brick can withstand is around 50 pounds per square inch.

How does the shape of the object affect the pressure on the bottom side of a brick?

The shape of the object placed on top of the brick can have a significant impact on the pressure exerted on the bottom side. For example, a flat and evenly distributed object will exert less pressure compared to a pointed or unevenly distributed object. This is because the weight of the object is spread out over a larger surface area, resulting in less pressure on the brick.

Can the type of material used in the construction of the brick affect its ability to withstand pressure on the bottom side?

Yes, the material used in the construction of the brick can greatly impact its ability to withstand pressure on the bottom side. Bricks made of stronger materials such as concrete or reinforced clay are able to withstand higher pressures compared to bricks made of weaker materials such as adobe or mud.

Is there a limit to how much pressure a brick can withstand on its bottom side?

Yes, there is a limit to how much pressure a brick can withstand on its bottom side. While the maximum pressure may vary depending on the factors mentioned earlier, exceeding this limit can result in the brick cracking or breaking. It is important to consider the weight and distribution of objects placed on top of a brick to avoid causing damage.

Can the orientation of the brick affect the pressure on its bottom side?

Yes, the orientation of the brick can affect the pressure on its bottom side. If the brick is placed vertically, with its narrow side facing downwards, it will be able to withstand more pressure compared to if it is placed horizontally, with its wide side facing downwards. This is because the weight of the object is distributed over a smaller surface area in the vertical orientation, resulting in higher pressure on the brick.

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