A laboratory technician stacks some identical flat-bottomed cylindrical calibration masses on a horizontal force-sensitive platform.
There are 8 masses in the single vertical stack. The weight of each mass is 1.25 N1.25 \text{ N}1.25 N. The surface area of the flat bottom of each mass is 0.0025 m20.0025 \text{ m}^20.0025 m2.
State the equation linking pressure, force, and area.
Calculate the pressure on the platform caused by the stack of masses.
The technician then arranges the 8 masses so they are laid out individually, flat on the platform, and not overlapping.
Describe how this layout change affects the total force exerted by the masses on the platform.
Explain how this layout change affects the average pressure on the areas of the platform in contact with the masses.