In which of the following states is MAXIMUM pressure exerted on a person

Analyze the question: We want the position in which the person exerts the greatest pressure on the ground (the question says "exerted on a person", but it is clearly asking about the pressure the person exerts on the floor).

Concept: Pressure is force per unit area:

P = F / A

The force here is the person's weight (W = mg), which stays the same in every position. So pressure depends only on the contact area:

• Smaller contact area → greater pressure
• Larger contact area → smaller pressure

Solution: Compare the contact area in each position:

• A. Standing on two feet: area = 2 foot areas
• B. Standing on one foot: area = 1 foot area (smallest)
• C. Lying on the floor: area = whole body (largest)
• D. Kneeling: area = two knees plus lower legs (larger than one foot)

The weight is the same, so the smallest area gives the maximum pressure. That is standing on one foot.

For example, if a person weighs 600 N and one foot has area 0.02 m²:

• On one foot: P = 600 / 0.02 = 30,000 Pa
• On two feet: P = 600 / 0.04 = 15,000 Pa

Standing on one foot gives double the pressure of standing on two feet.

Answer: B. Standing on one foot.

Exam tip: For "maximum pressure" questions with the same force, look for the smallest area (think of high heels or a sharp knife). For "minimum pressure", look for the largest area (think of lying down on thin ice to spread your weight).