A person wearing flat-soled shoes and a person wearing stiletto heels have the same weight. Explain why the person wearing stiletto heels is more likely to damage a soft floor surface than the person wearing flat-soled shoes.

Cambridge International IGCSE Physics (0625) — 1.8 Pressure · Explain · 4 marks · View as Markdown

Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).

Model answer (4 marks)

The stiletto heel has a much smaller contact area than the flat sole.
Pressure is force divided by area (p = F/A).
Because the area is smaller, the pressure exerted on the floor is greater.
The greater pressure from the stiletto is more likely to exceed the strength of the floor surface, causing damage.

Examiner tips

  • Use the definition of pressure (p = F/A) to link area to force.
  • Show the comparison of contact areas explicitly.
  • Explain the consequence of higher pressure on the floor.
  • Keep the answer concise and use the exact terminology from the mark scheme.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing force with pressure, e.g. saying the heel has more force.
  • Omitting the contact area comparison or the definition of pressure.
  • Using vague terms like ‘more force’ instead of ‘greater pressure’.

Mark scheme (4 marks)

  1. The stiletto heel has a much smaller contact area (than the flat sole)
  2. Pressure is force divided by area (p = F/A)
  3. Because the area is smaller, the pressure exerted on the floor is greater
  4. The greater pressure (from the stiletto) is more likely to exceed the strength of the floor surface, causing damage

Key terms in this question

weight

Related

More Pressure questions

▶ Try answering this question with AI marking (free) →