Calculating Pressure from Falling Sand Shower

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the pressure exerted by a falling sand shower, where grains of sand, each with a mass of 3.10 x 10-3 g, fall from a height of 0.8 m at a rate of 50 grains per second per cm2. The pressure is determined using the formula P = F/A, where the force (F) is calculated by multiplying the mass of the grains by their velocity. The area of impact is clarified to be 1 m2, simplifying the calculation of pressure.

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  • Understanding of basic physics concepts such as force, mass, and acceleration
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  • Ability to perform unit conversions, particularly between cm2 and m2
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Homework Statement


Grains of sand of mass 3.10 10-3 g each, fall from a height of 0.8 m on a sticky surface at a rate of 50 grains per second per cm^2. What pressure does this shower of sand exert on the surface, assuming that air resistance can be neglected?


Homework Equations


P=F/A
F=ma=mv d/dt


The Attempt at a Solution


So I understand I have to calculate the velocity and multiply that by the mass and number of grains. What I don't understand is the area. What is the area? Any help would be great.
 
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use F = dP/dt to find force due to 1 grain ... multiply with total number of grains ... and then divide the area on which this total force is acting ... you get pressure
 
cupid.callin said:
use F = dP/dt to find force due to 1 grain ... multiply with total number of grains ... and then divide the area on which this total force is acting ... you get pressure

I see, but what is the area?
 
from P = F/A you can see that P=F when area is 1m^2

and you can also find force in 1cm^2

so its easy to find force in 1m^2 also, right?
 
Oh jeez the area is just 1m^2? I can't believe I didn't notice that. Anyways, thanks for the help.
 

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