A force of 50 N acts on an area of 100 cm2. Determine the pressure exerted by this force.

Given:

S = 100 square centimeters – surface area;

F = 50 Newton – the force that acts on this surface.

It is required to determine P (Pascal) – the pressure exerted by this force.

We convert the units of measurement of area from square centimeters to square meters:

S = 100 cm2 = 100 * 10-4 = 0.01 square meter.

Then the pressure will be equal to:

F = P * S, hence:

P = F / S = 50 / 0.01 = 5000 Pascal (5 kPa).

Answer: The pressure exerted by the force on the surface is 5000 Pascal (5 kPa).