Book 18, Question 105
Why Don’t Skis Sink Into the Snow?
Skis do not sink because they spread your weight over a big area! Your weight is the same, but the push on each bit of snow is much smaller. Scientists call that push pressure, and it is the secret of skiing.
More fun facts
- Skis have a large surface area.
- That spreads the skier's weight over more snow.
- Less pressure on each square inch means the skier glides instead of sinking.
- Snowshoes work the same way.
- Snowboards also use a big surface area to stay on top of the snow.
Sources: BBC, Science News Explores
Questions kids ask
Why do snowshoes work?
Like skis, they spread your weight over more snow, so you stay on top instead of sinking.