An elephant of mass 2800kg has feet of average area of 200 cm2. A vulture of mass 12 kg walks beside the elephant on a muddy area, the average area of the feet of the vulture is 2.0 cm2. Which one is likely to sink? Explain your answer showing any necessary calculations.

Explanation:

The formula we are going to use is

Pressure = F/A

Elephant:

First, we need to convert weight into newtons.

1kg=9.8 newtons, so 2800kg × newtons = 27440newtons

For 4 feet= 200×4= 800cm^2

Convert the area to meter squared using the following:

1 centimeter squared = 0.0001 meters squared

800cm^2×0.0001= 0.08m^2

Pressure=F/A

Pressure= 27440/0.08

The pressure exerted on the ground by the elephant is 343000 Pascals.

Vulture:

12kg×9.8=117.6newtons

for 2 feet= 2.0×2=4cm^2

4×0.0001=0.0004m^2

117.6/0.0004= 294000 Pascals

To compare the pressure, just do a ratio of the elephant's pressure to vulture's pressure.

343000/294000≈ 1.17

So the pressure is about 1 times bigger.

Keep in mind that the elephant has 4 feet, which help to increase the area which in turn decrease the pressure.