Pressure minimized by maximizing contact area

Steps:

• Identify the weight as the force: 6.0 N.
• Calculate face areas: 3.0 cm × 4.0 cm = 12 cm², 3.0 cm × 5.0 cm = 15 cm², 4.0 cm × 5.0 cm = 20 cm².
• Select largest area for smallest pressure: 20 cm².
• Compute pressure: P = F / A = 6.0 N / 20 cm² = 0.30 N/cm².

Why B is correct:

• Matches formula P = F / A using largest face (4.0 cm × 5.0 cm = 20 cm²) for minimum pressure.

Why the others are wrong:

• A: Requires unrealistically large 60 cm² area (6.0 / 60 = 0.10), not possible with given dimensions.
• C: From medium area 15 cm² (6.0 / 15 = 0.40), not the maximum.
• D: From smallest area 12 cm² (6.0 / 12 = 0.50), yields maximum pressure.

Final answer: B