Physics: Principles with Applications (7th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0-32162-592-7
ISBN 13: 978-0-32162-592-2

Chapter 10 - Fluids - Questions - Page 283: 2

Answer

A sharper tool has a smaller area and exerts a greater pressure with the same amount of force than a blunt tool with a greater surface area on the point.

Work Step by Step

A sharp pin can pierce your skin when pushed with a certain force, though the same force does not cause the blunt end of a pen to pierce your skin. The pressure (force per unit area) applied by a tool determines whether your skin is pierced, not the net force applied.
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.