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In which case is the pressure you exert on the floor the greatest?

Standing on tiptoes

Standing on tiptoes on one foot

Lying flat

The pressure is the same for all these answers.

1 Answer

3 votes

Answer: Standing on tiptoes on one foot

Step-by-step explanation:

Pressure exerted by an object depends upon the force exerted per unit area. For the same force applied, smaller the area of contact, greater is the pressure.


P = (F)/(A)

Thus, while standing your weight (m g) acts downwards. when you lay flat, the pressure spreads out as the area of contact increases. On the other hand, when standing on tiptoes and especially on one foot, the area of contact greatly reduces thereby increasing the pressure. Thus, the pressure varies with the area of contact and you would apply greatest pressure on the floor while standing on tiptoes on one foot.

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