Snowshoes are designed to allow a hiker to walk over deep snow without sinking as much as when wearing ordinary boots.
(a) A pair of snowshoes distributes the hiker's 650 N weight over a total area of 2000 cm², whereas ordinary boots distribute the same weight over 400 cm². Calculate the pressure exerted on the snow by each footwear option, expressing your answers in pascals.
(b) Using your numerical results, explain qualitatively why snowshoes reduce the depth to which the hiker sinks into the snow. Your explanation should reference the physical meaning of pressure and the mechanical response of the snow surface.