# 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

## 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

- [weight](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/weight)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Cambridge International IGCSE Physics (0625)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-person-wearing-flat-soled-shoes-and-4461b2de) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.