Pressure applied to the ground by a man standing on stilts

AI Thread Summary
A 52 kg man standing on square stilts measuring 0.06 m on each edge exerts a pressure of 207,100 Pa on the ground, calculated using the formula p = F/A. The discussion emphasizes that pressure is an intensive variable and does not accumulate like force; thus, the number of stilts does not affect the pressure calculation. Concerns are raised about the weight of the stilts, suggesting they should be considered negligible in this context unless specified otherwise. The conversation highlights the importance of assumptions in physics problems, particularly regarding the weight of supporting structures. Overall, the focus remains on accurately determining the pressure applied to the ground by the man alone.
sebastian281172
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Homework Statement
How much pressure is applied to the ground by a 52 kg man who is standing on square stilts that measure 0.06 m on each edge?
Relevant Equations
p=(F/A)
Homework Statement: How much pressure is applied to the ground by a 52 kg man who is standing on square stilts that measure 0.06 m on each edge?
Homework Equations: p=(F/A)

P = (F/A)
= (52*9.81)/(.06^2)
= 207100
 
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How many stilts is he using?
 
it doesn't matter because of it all factors back to the equation on top.

Ex. ((ab)/2 + (ab)/2)/c

= (2ab/2)/c
= ab/c
 
Pressure is an intensive variable. You don't add the pressures. Forces are additive, pressures are not. The total force is mg, the total area is 2*0.062.

<< Solution deleted by a Mentor >>
 
Last edited by a moderator:
ohh thanks, i didn't know that
 
sebastian281172 said:
Homework Statement: How much pressure is applied to the ground by a 52 kg man who is standing on square stilts that measure 0.06 m on each edge?
Homework Equations: p=(F/A)

P = (F/A)
= (52*9.81)/(.06^2)
= 207100

There are normally two stilts, are there not? The stilts themselves must weigh something.
 
PeroK said:
There are normally two stilts, are there not? The stilts themselves must weigh something.
I'd think that if it asks for what pressure the man is applying to the ground, the stilts are probably treated as negligible to the solution.
 
CardiniPanini said:
I'd think that if it asks for what pressure the man is applying to the ground, the stilts are probably treated as negligible to the solution.
Which is a dubious assumption, IMO. Unless you specify ultra lightweight stilts, perhaps.
 
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