Chapter 6, Problem 11A

When do you produce more pressure on the ground, standing or lying down?

To determine

The position of the book as shown in the provided figure, in which more pressure will be produced on the ground.

Answer to Problem 11A

When the book is in standing position.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

The pressure exerted by the force $F$ is given by,

  $P=\frac{F}{A}$

Where, $A=$ area of contact

Since, the force is same for both the cases, the pressure exerted by the book on the ground will be inversely proportional to the area of contact.

Now consider the given figure, when the book is lying on the ground, it has more area of contact with the ground as compared to the position where the book is standing on the ground.

Conclusion:

Hence, more pressure will be exerted by the book in standing position on the ground.