Imagine you are trying to lift a very heavy flat object using a suction cup. Why is it more effective to use a larger suction cup rather than a smaller one, even if both create a perfect vacuum inside?

7 views 0 helpful Updated Jul 27, 2026
Appears in Class 8th
Solution ✔ Verified
  • ALarger suction cups are inherently stronger materials.
  • BA larger suction cup creates a lower pressure inside.
  • CThe larger surface area of contact allows the external atmospheric pressure to exert a greater total upward force.
  • DSmaller suction cups lose their vacuum more quickly.
Explanation

The force exerted by atmospheric pressure is calculated as Pressure x Area. While both perfect suction cups create the same low pressure internally, a larger suction cup has a greater surface area. Therefore, the external atmospheric pressure acting on this larger area will generate a significantly greater total upward force, making it more effective at lifting heavy objects.

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