Chapter 4: Problem 7

Use the concept of pressure to explain why snowshoes are better than regular shoes for walking in deep snow.

Short Answer

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Answer: Snowshoes are better for walking in deep snow compared to regular shoes because they have a larger surface area, which spreads the person's weight over a larger area and exerts less pressure on the snow. This lower pressure provides better support and reduces the likelihood of sinking into the snow, making it easier to walk and providing improved overall mobility.

Step by step solution

Definition of pressure

Pressure is defined as the ratio of force applied to an area. In this case, the force being exerted is the person's weight, and the area is the contact surface between the shoes (snowshoes or regular) and the snow. (mathematically) Pressure = \frac{Force}{Area}

Comparing the area of snowshoes and regular shoes

Snowshoes are characterized by having a larger surface area compared to regular shoes. This means that the force exerted by the person's weight is spread over a larger area when using snowshoes. In contrast, regular shoes have a smaller surface area, so the force is concentrated over a smaller area.

Calculating the pressure exerted by snowshoes and regular shoes

Using the formula for pressure, we can calculate the pressure exerted by both types of shoes. Since the force (person's weight) is the same in both cases, the difference in pressure comes from the difference in the contact area. For snowshoes: Pressure_{snowshoes} = \frac{Force}{Area_{snowshoes}} For regular shoes: Pressure_{regular shoes} = \frac{Force}{Area_{regular shoes}} Since Area_{snowshoes} > Area_{regular shoes}, we can say that Pressure_{snowshoes} < Pressure_{regular shoes}. In other words, the pressure exerted by snowshoes on the snow is less compared to the pressure exerted by regular shoes.

Explaining the advantage of lower pressure

In deep snow, a lower pressure allows for better support and reduces the likelihood of sinking into the snow. This is because a larger surface area distributes the force applied over a broader area, preventing the force from being concentrated at a single point and causing the snow to compact or collapse. By having a lower pressure exerted on the snow, snowshoes provide a more stable walking platform in deep snow because they are less likely to sink, making it easier to walk and providing improved overall mobility compared to regular shoes.

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Use the concept of pressure to explain why snowshoes are better than regular shoes for walking in deep snow.

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Definition of pressure

Comparing the area of snowshoes and regular shoes

Calculating the pressure exerted by snowshoes and regular shoes

Explaining the advantage of lower pressure

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