Calculating Pressure on Snowshoes from 900N Load

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SUMMARY

The calculation of pressure exerted by a person weighing 900 N on snowshoes with an area of 2500 cm² each results in a pressure of 1800 Pa. The correct formula used is P = F/A, where F is the force and A is the area. The area of one snowshoe is converted to 0.25 m², leading to a total area of 0.5 m² for two snowshoes. The confusion arose from an incorrect equation setup, where the area was mistakenly added instead of multiplied.

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Homework Statement



6. A person weighing 900 N is standing on snowshoes. Each snowshoe has an area of 2500 cm2. Find the pressure on the snow.

a. 0.18 Pa
b. 0.36 Pa
c. 1800 Pa
d. 3600 Pa

Homework Equations



P=F/A

The Attempt at a Solution



I tried doing F/(2*(A))
A=2500cm2/1002cm2 *1m2=.25
P=900/(2+.25)
P=1800

but the answer key says it it .18 instead
 
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You have done exactly the right thing.
The area of 1 shoe = 0.25m^2
so 2 shoes = 0.5m^2 BUT IN YOUR EQUATION you have written 2 + 0.25 ! should be 2 x 0.25
This will give P = 1800Pa. I think the answer 0.18 is wrong !
 
technician said:
You have done exactly the right thing.
The area of 1 shoe = 0.25m^2
so 2 shoes = 0.5m^2 BUT IN YOUR EQUATION you have written 2 + 0.25 ! should be 2 x 0.25
This will give P = 1800Pa. I think the answer 0.18 is wrong !

yeah .18 is wrong for sure
 

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