A high-precision optical table has a total weight of 9.6 kN9.6\text{ kN}9.6 kN and is supported by six identical leveling feet. Each foot has a flat area of 16.0 cm216.0\text{ cm}^216.0 cm2 in contact with the floor.
State the equation relating pressure, force, and area.
Calculate the pressure exerted on the floor by each individual leveling foot. Give a suitable unit for your answer.
To protect the polymer resin laboratory floor from cracking, wider steel load-distribution plates are placed under each leveling foot. Explain, in terms of pressure, force, and area, why using these plates reduces the risk of floor damage.
