The weight of a 1200-kg car is supported equally by the four tires, which are inflated to the same gauge pressure. What gauge pressure is required so the area of contact of each tire with the road is 100 cm 2?

2.94 x 10⁵ Pa

Explanation:

m = mass of the car supported by four ires = 1200 kg

g = acceleration due to gravity = 9.8 m/s²

A = Area of contact for each tire = 100 cm² = 100 x 10⁻⁴ m²

n = Number of tires

P = Gauge pressure

Using equilibrium of force in vertical direction

n P A = mg

4 P (100 x 10⁻⁴) = (1200) (9.8)

P = 2.94 x 10⁵ Pa