To calculate the pressure on the brake pad, we'll use the formula:
[tex]\[
\text{pressure} = \frac{\text{force}}{\text{area}}
\][/tex]
We are given:
- The area of the brake pad, [tex]\( \text{area} = 0.32 \, \text{m}^2 \)[/tex]
- The force applied to the brake pad, [tex]\( \text{force} = 160 \, \text{N} \)[/tex]
Substitute these values into the formula:
[tex]\[
\text{pressure} = \frac{160 \, \text{N}}{0.32 \, \text{m}^2}
\][/tex]
Dividing the force by the area:
[tex]\[
\text{pressure} = 500.0 \, \text{N/m}^2
\][/tex]
Therefore, the pressure on the brake pad is [tex]\( 500.0 \, \text{N/m}^2 \)[/tex]. Given the instructions to round to one decimal place, the answer is:
[tex]\[
\text{pressure} = 500.0 \, \text{N/m}^2
\][/tex]