Verified Solution Science Exploring Forces

A sharp needle has a much smaller tip area compared to the flat head of a nail. When the same force is applied to both, why does the needle penetrate fabric easily while the nail might not?

6 views 1 helpful Updated Jun 30, 2026
Solution ✔ Verified
  • AThe needle experiences less air resistance.
  • BThe needle's material is stronger.
  • CThe needle exerts greater pressure due to its smaller contact area.
  • DThe nail experiences a stronger gravitational pull.
Explanation

Pressure is defined as force per unit area. A sharp needle has a very small tip area, so for the same applied force, it exerts a much greater pressure on the fabric compared to a nail with a larger head. This high pressure allows it to penetrate easily.

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