A rectangular cement block has length, breadth and height of 60 cm, 30 cm and 15 cm respectively. Identify the correct position of the block and pressure exerted by it on the ground.

1. Minimum pressure is exerted when breadth and height form the base.
2. Maximum pressure is exerted when breadth and height form the base.
3. Maximum pressure is exerted when length and breadth form the base.
4. Minimum pressure is exerted when length and height form the base.

Maximum pressure is exerted when breadth and height form the base

Reason — Pressure is given by the formula : $\text {Pressure} = \dfrac {\text {Thrust}}{\text {Area}}$

For the same weight (thrust) of the block, the pressure is inversely proportional to the contact area. So, larger base area → smaller pressure, and smaller base area → greater pressure.

As, minimum area → side with minimum dimensions → 30 cm breadth and 15 cm height.

Hence, maximum pressure is exerted when breadth and height form the base because it has smallest contact area.