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PRESSURE
Pressure is defined as force per unit area.
It is a measure of how concentrated a force is on a given
area.
The image shows an athlete on a surfing board
The athlete is able to stay afloat on water.
Discuss with a friend as to why the athlete does not sink
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The image below shows a sign at the beach warning people of sinking mud
Discuss with a friend how a person could safely pass beyond this point while walking.
Think of the shape of shoes one has to wear. Would it be safe for a person to pass this
point bare footed?
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In both of the scenarios created on the previous page, you must think of how the force
due to ones weight is concentrated on the surface. You also have to consider whether
the surfaces will support or withstand this force.
The surfing board will spread the force due to the weight of the surfer over a wider area
allowing the athlete to stay afloat on water whereas without it one would just sink in
water.
Walking on sinking sand could make on get stuck. You may need to wear sandals with
a larger contact area to walk in these areas.
𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑐𝑒
𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒 =
𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑎
Remember :
Force is measured in Newtons, N
Area is measured in square metres, m 2
So, pressure is measured in Newtons per square meters, N/m 2.
A Newton per square metre is equal to a Pascal, Pa.
Therefore it is common for pressure to be expressed in Pascals, Pa.
For objects with small contact areas, pressure could be expressed in N/cm 2 or even in
N/mm2.
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Calculating pressure
An average African elephant bull has a mass of 6000kg.
It stands on 4 feet each with a surface area of 0.1m 2. (Use
the gravitation strength of the earth as 10N/kg)
1. Find the total pressure the elephant exerts on the
ground.
First convert mass to weight.
Weight = mass X gravitation strength of the earth
= 6000 X 10
= 60000N
Then calculate the pressure using the formula
𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑐𝑒
𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒 =
𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑎
60000
=
4𝑋0.1
= 150 000N/m2
Or 150 000Pa
2. During running the elephant can have 2 of its feet off the ground at a go. How will
this affect the pressure that its weight exerts on the ground surface? Show your
working
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3. The image shows legs of a girl wearing stiletto shoes.
Given that this girl weighs 500N and that the surface area of
contact of these shoes and the ground is 10cm 2. Find the pressure
that the girls exerts on the ground when standing on both feet.
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Will the pressure exerted by the girl on the ground be the same, equal or grater than
that exerted by the African elephant bull in question 1?
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Show your working
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Applications of pressure in everyday life cases
Each of the images below is of an item designing with pressure in mind. Either to
increase or minimise it.
Suggest whether the design of the item relates to pressure. Whether it increases it
or lowers it. State how this is important
Item Description How it Advantage
affects
pressure
Large heads Reduce Prevent injuring the finger
pressure of the user
Sharp point
ends
Thumb pins
Many wheels
Large wheels
Truck
Sharp edges
Kitchen knife
Snow shoes
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Pressure in liquids
Liquids exert pressure for example on the walls of a container as shown in the
diagram
May you suggest why a liquid will exert pressure on the walls of the container as
shown in the diagram?
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Pressure in liquids exhibits the following characteristics
Liquid pressure increases with depth.
Liquid pressure remains the same in all directions at a given depth.
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Liquid pressure depends upon the density of the liquid.
Liquid exerts pressure on the sides of the container.
A liquid seeks its own level.
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Activity
A dam is a wall built across a river. Below is the image of a dam.
River
Direction of water flow
Dam
Why is dam thicker (or wider) at the bottom?
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Pressure in gases
Particles of gar possess high kinetic energy. They are always in motion, moving
randomly in all directions in the container that the gas is in. The force resulting from
collisions with sides of the container exert pressure to it. From the inside outwards in all
directions
The image below illustrates the effect of pressure in gases
Random movement Inflated balloon
of particles
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Characteristics of pressure in gases
Gases exert pressure in all directions. (Note: solids exert pressure in only one
direction while liquids exert pressure only sideways and downwards)
Pressure in gases increases with depth
Pressure in gases increases with temperature
Activity
1. Mount Everest is the tallest mountain on earth. Its highest
summit is at about 8,848 m. the atmospheric pressure at
this altitude is about 33.7 kPa. The image shows a part of
mount Everest.
The atmospheric pressure at sea level is about 101kPa.
Suggest the changes due to pressure differences a touring mountain climber from
Durban, South Africa may experience on the summit of mount Everest.
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2. The image shows an inflated tyre of a car
The tyre gets punctured by a piercing nail. The air is heard
gushing out and the tyre pressure drops.
Explain why;
i. The most of the air from the tyre gets out
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ii. The pressure of the tyre drops
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iii. Some air will still remain in the punctured tyre
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3. You may like to find the pressure your weight exerts on the ground. Discuss in your
class how this could be done. Take time and carry this investigation. Write a report
and submit it to your teacher.
