Chapter U3.9, Problem 4E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: Comprehend the weight in pounds of the atmosphere pushing down on the back of the hand.

Concept Introduction:

The formula used to calculate the weight is:

  $\text{Weight = Pressure per unit area × Area}$

Answer to Problem 4E

  $\text{Weight =220}\text{.5 lb}$

Explanation of Solution

Pressure due to the atmosphere = 14.7-pounds/ in²

The average size of a human hand = 15 in²

Calculate the weight in pounds of the atmosphere pushing down on the back of hand:

  $\begin{array}{l}\text{Weight = Pressure per unit area × Area}\\ \text{Weight = }\frac{\text{14}\text{.7 lb}}{{\text{1 in}}^{\text{2}}}{\text{ × 15 in}}^{\text{2}}\\ \text{Weight =220}\text{.5 lb}\end{array}$

Conclusion

  $\text{Weight =220}\text{.5 lb}$