Physics
Force Distribution
Quick fact
The force of a 70 kg person standing on one foot exerts a pressure of about 160 kPa on the ground—enough to dent soft asphalt, while sitting spreads that force over a larger area, reducing pressure to around 10 kPa.
Why this is interesting
Have you ever wondered why lying on a bed of nails can be painless, but stepping on a single nail would be dangerous? The answer lies in how force is distributed.