Why does a nail have a pointed tip?

Question

Question

This question was previously asked in

RRB JE CBT I - (Held On: 1 June 2019 Shift 1)

Answer 1

The correct answer is The force acting on a smaller area exerts a larger pressure.

Key Points

The reason nails have pointed tips can be related to the principle that force acting on a smaller area exerts greater pressure.
Because of the small area at the tip, the pressure exerted by nails is much higher, making it easier to penetrate surfaces with less force.
For instance, a pointed nail can pierce or scratch more easily than a blunt one because of the higher pressure concentrated at the tip.
This makes them more effective for tasks like puncturing, gripping, or precision work.

Additional Information

Formula: Pressure (P)=Force (F)/Area (A)
When a given force is applied over a smaller area, the pressure increases because the same force is concentrated on a smaller surface.
Conversely, if the same force is spread over a larger area, the pressure decreases because the force is distributed.
Example: Sharp Knife vs. Blunt Knife- A sharp knife has a smaller edge area compared to a blunt knife. When you apply the same force, the pressure exerted by the sharp blade is much higher, making it easier to cut through objects.