Physics · Challenge

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Pressure systemsRunning
Piston bench. Footing area at 0.077 m². Applied force 4500 N, Pressure × area 1386 N. Currently applied force is over by 3114 N.TUNINGPRESSURE × AREAAPPLIED FORCE0.077 M²
t = 0.0s

Applied force

4500N

Pressure × area

1386N

0.077 m²

Piston bench. Footing area at 0.077 m². Applied force 4500 N, Pressure × area 1386 N. Currently applied force is over by 3114 N.

What has to balanceP=FAP = \frac{F}{A}

What is happening

You take control of an ice-shelf research hut resting on soft snow.

The hut is sinking into the snow. It presses down with 4500 N, the snow collapses above 18 kPa, and the current footing area is far too small.