Calculating pressure of cylinder on table

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the pressure exerted by a cylindrical metal block on a horizontal table, given its mass and the radius of its base. The subject area relates to mechanics and pressure calculations.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate the pressure using the formula for pressure and the weight of the cylinder. Some participants question the accuracy of the calculations, particularly regarding the conversion of units and the final numerical result.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively discussing the calculations, with some pointing out potential errors in the original poster's final result. There is a focus on verifying the calculations rather than reaching a consensus on the correct answer.

Contextual Notes

There appears to be confusion regarding the application of units and the handling of significant figures in the calculations. The original poster's approach to using gravitational force is noted, but there is uncertainty about the correctness of the final pressure value.

tehmatriks
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Homework Statement


A cylindrical metal block of mass 32 kg stands with its base on a horizontal table. The radius of the base of the cylinder is 4 cm. Calculate the value of the pressure on the table.


Homework Equations


Pressure = Force/Area


The Attempt at a Solution


f = ma, i don't know if this is where I am going wrong, but I am using acceleration due to gravity

(32)(9.8) = 313.6 N

area of bottom/base of cylinder = pi x 42 = 50.26 cm2

50.26 x 10-4 = 5.026 x 10-3 m2

P = F/A, so 313.6/5.026 x 10-3 = 0.062470119 Pa

yep, thanks in advance
 
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Your powers of ten got mucked up in your final calculation.

\frac{313.6 N}{5.026 \times 10^{-3} m^2} = ?
 
yea, it should be 0.062395543

what now?
 
tehmatriks said:
yea, it should be 0.062395543

what now?

Your value is still incorrect. The digits are fine, but the decimal place is incorrect.
 

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