Question

multiple choice question
why is the net force due to the pressure exerted by a fluid perpendicular to the surface it is exerted on?
o the parallel component is usually negligibly small due to the low speeds of the atoms and molecules.
o the parallel component cancels out due to the random orientation of the motion of the atoms and molecules.
o the parallel component is usually negligibly small due to the microscopic nature of the atoms and molecules.

Explanation:

In a fluid, the random - motion of atoms and molecules causes the parallel components of the force due to pressure to cancel out, resulting in a net force perpendicular to the surface.

Answer:

The parallel component cancels out due to the random orientation of the motion of the atoms and molecules.