In the International System (SI) the unit of pressure is N / m² or Pascal (Pa). A person weighing 650 N, wearing shoes with a total support surface area of 500 cm² exerts pressure on the ground to the value of : P= 650 N / 0.0500 m² = 13000 Pa.

Other units

Measure the support surface area of both of your shoes and using your mass calculate your weight and the pressure which you exert when you are standing on the ground on both feet.

By clicking on "supported block" you can start the animation. In it you can vary the size of the block and see how the magnitudes which are involved also vary. Simulate different situations and make a table in your notebook with all the magnitudes in S.I. units. Can you make the table with a broadsheet? Try it! Answer the question you will find in the activity.