Two hikers of identical mass step onto soft, freshly fallen snow. Hiker A wears narrow hiking boots, while Hiker B wears wide snowshoes. Hiker B sinks noticeably less into the snow.
Which of the following best explains why Hiker B sinks less?
(a) Hiker B spreads the same downward force over a larger contact area, resulting in a higher pressure that keeps him from sinking.
(b) The larger contact area allows the snow to exert a greater upward normal force on Hiker B, so he sinks less.
(c) Hiker B spreads the same downward force over a larger contact area, producing a lower pressure on the snow.
(d) Because the snowshoes themselves are lighter than hiking boots, Hiker B exerts a smaller downward force on the snow and therefore sinks less.