Question

An asian elephant has a weight of 52,900 newtons. this enormous weight is balanced on four feet. in a circus act, these elephants often balance on one foot. the average surface area of a foot pad is 2,920 cm2. what pressure is experienced at the food pad if an elephant balances all its weight on one foot?

Answer 1

Answer;

≈ 18,116,438 N/m² or 18,116,438 Pascals

Explanation;

• Pressure is the force exerted on a unit area.

• Thus pressure is given by; Force/ Area. Therefore, pressure is measured in N/m² or pascals.

In this case, the force is 52,900 Newtons

The area = 2,920 cm²

But; 1 m² = 1000000 cm², thus;

Area = 2,920 cm²/ 1000000 cm²

        = 0.00292 m²

Pressure = 52,900 Newtons/ 0.00292 m²

               = 18,116,438.356 N/m²

               ≈ 18,116,438 N/m² or 18,116,438 Pascals

Answer 2

Answer:

181164.38 Newton/m2

Explanation:

The weight of elephant = 52,900 newtons

The average surface area of a foot pad  = 2,920 cm2

Pressure = Force exerted per unit of area

Force is this case = weight of elephant = 52,900 newtons

Area of one foot = 2,920 cm2

= 0.292 m2

Pressure  = 52,900 newtons/0.292 m2

= 181164.38 Newton/m2