CAIE IGCSE Physics 1.8.2 Pressure varies with force & area in
Practise explaining how force and contact area change pressure in everyday situations such as pins, ice surfaces and supports.
- Syllabus
- 2026–2028
- Course
- Physics 0625
Practise explaining how force and contact area change pressure in everyday situations such as pins, ice surfaces and supports.
Fig. 3.1 shows a person moving across an ice-covered pond to reach a ball on the ice.

Fig. 3.1
Explain why this way of moving across the ice is safer than walking. Use your understanding of pressure in your answer.
(force of gravity / weight of person is spread over a much) greater area
B1
p=F/AORp∝1/A
B1
(force is same so) pressure is lower (so ice is less likely to crack)
B1