The thickness of the ice on the river is such that it can withstand a pressure of 40 kPa.

The thickness of the ice on the river is such that it can withstand a pressure of 40 kPa. Will a 5.4 t tractor pass on the ice if it rests on tracks with a total area of 1.5 m2?

To solve the problem, you need to determine the force of pressure of the tractor on the ice and compare it with 40 kPa.

P = F / S, where

F – gravity,

S is the area under pressure.

P = F / S = m * g / S = 5400 * 9.8 / 1.5 = 52920 / 1.5 = 35280 Pa = 35.28 kPa.

The tractor’s pressure is less than the ice can withstand. The tractor will pass over the ice.