Pressure equals force divided by area

Steps:

• Calculate total weight: mass × g = 1600 kg × 10 N/kg = 16,000 N.
• Force per tire: total weight ÷ 4 = 16,000 N ÷ 4 = 4,000 N.
• Pressure per tire: force ÷ area = 4,000 N ÷ 100 cm² = 40 N/cm².

Why C is correct:

• 40 N/cm² matches the formula P = F/A, using weight per tire over contact area.

Why the others are wrong:

• A: 4 N/cm² uses total weight over total area (ignores per-tire division).
• B: 16 N/cm² divides total weight by total area without per-tire force.
• D: 160 N/cm² applies total weight to one tire's area (ignores distribution).

Final answer: C