Pressure

High and low

 The arm applies a force nto the board via a fingertip.
The force acts over a small area and so produces a high pressure.
 The same force is now acting over a larger area – the palm has a greater surface area than the
fingertip.
A lower pressure is produced.

Calculation pressures
Pressure is the force per unit area and is calculated using this formula:

Pressure = force/area

Pressure is measured in:

Newtons per square metre (N/m2), which are also called pascals (Pa).

Pressure can also be measured in:

Newtons per square millimetre (N/mm2);
Newtons per square centimetre (N/cm2).

Calculating pressure
1. A box on the floor has a weight of 250 newtons. The area that the box rests on is 0.25m2. calculate
the pressure under the box

Pressure = F
A
= 250/0.25
= 1000N/m2

2. A hose causes a force of 8000N from the water over an area of 0.5m by 0.5m. Calculate the pressure.

Pressure = F
A
= 8000/0.25
=32000N/m2
Which type of pressure
 The boots have flat soles and spread the person’s weight over a large surface area.
These boots exert a low pressure on the ground.
 In contrast, the heeled shoes have a smaller surface area and so exert a higher pressure.
These shoes are likely to sink into soft ground.

Using low pressure

A force spread over a large area means low pressure, e.g. skis and snowboards.

The large surface area of the board means the skier exerts very little pressure on the snow.
This means he slides over the top of the snow and does not sink into it.

Using high pressure

A force concentrated on a small area means high pressure, e.g. high heeled shoes, needles, ice skates,
sharp knives.

The high pressure of the blade of an ice-skate melts the ice and helps the skater slide across the surface.

The narrow blade of a knife means that it exerts a high pressure and makes it easier to cut fruit and
vegetables.

Pressure in a liquid
Pressure in a liquid:

 Acts in all directions.

 Increases with depth.
A liquid can be used to transmit pressure from one place to another.
PRESSURE IN GASES
Motion of Molecules and Pressure

 Moving gas molecules collide with the inner walls of the container and exert a force on it
 The force exerted per unit area is thus called gas pressure.

Air pressure
Pressure in gases
Pressure – Temperature

Relationship of a gas

 At a higher temperature, the air molecules have greater speeds (greater average kinetic energy).
 The air molecules will then bombard the walls of their container more forcefully and more
frequently.
 This causes an increase in gas pressure inside the container.