When different objects are placed on soft sand, which one will generally sink the deepest?

Heavier objects tend to sink deeper into soft sand because they exert greater pressure on the surface due to their weight. The pressure that an object applies to the ground is calculated by dividing its weight by the area over which that weight is distributed. Therefore, when a heavy object is placed on soft sand, it compresses the sand beneath it, causing it to displace more material and sink deeper compared to a lighter object.

In contrast, objects with larger surface areas tend to distribute their weight more evenly across the sand, which reduces the pressure exerted on the sand and can help prevent sinking. Lighter objects do not exert as much pressure and therefore do not sink as deeply into the sand, while pointed edges may penetrate the surface but do not counteract the overall effects of weight. Thus, the nature of the sand and the object's weight plays a crucial role in determining how deep an object sinks when placed on it.