# A large wooden storage crate and a small metal toolbox are both resting on a soft muddy ground. The wooden crate has a greater weight than the metal toolbox, yet the wooden crate sinks less deeply into the mud. Explain why the wooden crate sinks less deeply into the mud than the metal toolbox.

> Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Physics (4PH1) — 5.1 Density and pressure · Explain · 4 marks

> The base area of the wooden crate is much greater than the base area of the metal toolbox.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Pressure is defined as force per unit area (or p = F/A)
2. The wooden crate has a much larger base area in contact with the mud
3. Because the area is greater, the pressure exerted on the mud is lower (for the wooden crate)
4. Lower pressure on the mud means the mud exerts less of a reaction/the crate does not sink as far into the mud

## Related

- [Revision notes for Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Physics (4PH1)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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