Pressure under a Solid

2 marks · Normal

A gardener stands on soft ground with both feet, exerting a total force of 700 N downwards. The combined area of both boots in contact with the ground is 0.36 m². Calculate the pressure exerted on the ground. Give your answer to 2 significant figures.

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1.9 × 10^3 Pa (±50)

Also accept: 1940 Pa; 1.9 × 10³ Pa

Common mistakes: giving answer to wrong number of significant figures

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Marking points

M1 · 1 mark · Substitute values into p = F/A. (follow-through)

A1 · 1 mark · Correct answer rounded to 2 significant figures with unit. (follow-through)

Worked solution

Rounded to 2 significant figures: p = 1.9 × 10³ Pa