Question

(I) (a) Calculate the total force of the atmosphere acting on the top of a table that measures 1.7m× 2.6m. (b) What is the total force acting upward on the underside of the table?

Short answer

1. The force on the top of the table is 4.47 × 10⁵ N.
2. The force on the underside of the table is 4.47 × 10⁵ N.

Step-by-step solution

Step-1: Understanding the force acting on a substance

In order to evaluate the force acting on a table utilize the relation of force with the pressure and the area of the table.

 Given the data

The area of table A =1.7m × 2.6m.

The atmospheric pressure P = 1.013 × 10⁵N/m².

Step-3:-Calculation of force on the top of the table

The force acting on the table is calculated as;

F = P × A

Substitute the values in the above relation

F = (1.013×10⁵ N/m²) × (1.7m × 2.6m)

F = 4.47×10⁵ N

Thus, the force acting on the top of the table is 4.47×10⁵ N.

Step-4:  Calculation of force on the underside of the table

The atmospheric pressure on the table is equivalent at the top and underside of the table because air pressure's upward and downward forces are similar. Therefore, the force acting on the table is also the same on both sides.

Thus, the force acting on the underside of the table is also4.47×10⁵ N.