Pressure under a Solid
3 marks · NormalDescribe a practical method for measuring the pressure that a student's shoe exerts on the ground.
Work this out on paper, then compare with the answer and worked solution below. With a free account you can submit written answers for marking.
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Must show: measure mass or weight of student, measure contact area of shoe, use p = F/A
Common mistakes: not converting mass to force
Show mark scheme and worked solution
Marking points
B1 · 1 mark · Measure the weight (force) of the student using scales.
B2 · 1 mark · Measure or estimate the area of the shoe in contact with the ground (e.g., by drawing around the shoe foot and measuring the area).
B3 · 1 mark · Calculate pressure using p = F/A.
Worked solution
1. Find the weight of the student using a set of scales (record mass and multiply by g if needed).
2. Draw round one shoe on a piece of paper, measure length and width, and estimate the area in m².
3. Divide the force (weight) by the area using p = F/A to calculate the pressure.