Calculate the greatest and the least pressure exerted by a metal block of size 20 cm x 8 cm x 5 cm and having a mass of 5 kg.

We know pressure = Force/Area.

The force here is the weight of the object = Mass x Acceleration due to gravitation

= 5 x 9.8 = 49.

When area is minimum presssure is maximum and when area is maximum then pressure is minimum.

minimum area = 8*5 = 40cm² = 0.004m²

maximum area = 20*8 = 160cm² = 0.016m²

Maximum pressure = 49/0.004

= 112250 pascal

Minimum pressure = 49/0.016

= 3062.5 Pascal