Question

Explain the following:

(a) Sleepers are used below the rails.

(b) A tall building has wide foundations.

Answer 1

(a) Sleepers are laid below the rails to reduce pressure (force/area) on the ground.

∴ Sleepers increase the area.

(b) Foundation of buildings is kept wide so that the weight of the building may act on a larger area. As a result, it will exert less pressure on the ground. This avoids sinking of building into the earth.