Final answer:
The pressure exerted by a solid depends on the mass of the object and the area of contact with the surface. Pressure is defined as force per unit area, and in fluids, it affects buoyancy and how objects interact within the fluid.
Step-by-step explanation:
The amount of pressure exerted by a solid is based on the mass of the object and the area of the bottom surface it's contacting. This is represented by the equation Pressure (P) = Force (F) / Area (A). In scenarios such as a person standing on the floor, the weight (force due to gravity) of the person and the surface area of their feet will determine the pressure exerted on the ground. If the person's mass increases or the contact area decreases (like standing on tiptoes), the pressure increases accordingly. This is because pressure is defined as the force per unit area perpendicular to the force over which the force acts.
In fluids, pressure also plays a crucial role but is affected by different factors like the fluid's density and gravity. The concept of buoyant force arises in fluids, indicating that pressure increases with depth, affecting how objects float, sink or remain suspended in the fluid.