Two factors that affect the pressure exerted by a solid on a surface are:
Force applied: The pressure exerted by a solid on a surface is directly proportional to the force applied. If the force acting on the surface increases, the pressure exerted by the solid also increases. Conversely, if the force decreases, the pressure exerted decreases. Mathematically, pressure (P) is defined as the force (F) applied perpendicular to the surface divided by the area (A) over which the force is distributed: P = F/A. So, the greater the force applied, the greater the pressure.
Surface area: The pressure exerted by a solid on a surface is inversely proportional to the surface area over which the force is distributed. If the same force is applied over a smaller surface area, the pressure exerted by the solid is greater. Conversely, if the force is spread over a larger surface area, the pressure exerted is lower. This relationship is described by the equation P = F/A, where a larger area (A) in the denominator reduces the pressure (P) for the same force (F).
In summary, the pressure exerted by a solid on a surface is influenced by the force applied and the surface area over which that force is distributed. Increasing the force or decreasing the surface area will result in higher pressure, while reducing the force or increasing the surface area will lead to lower pressure.