Pressure and pressure differences in fluids (physics only) Forces…

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31 objective pages available

Pressure on a surface (physics only)10 objectives

(Physics only) Define pressure as force per unit area.
(Physics only) Use the equation pressure = force normal to a surface divided by area of that surface.
(Physics only) Calculate pressure from force and area.
(Physics only) Calculate force from pressure and area.
(Physics only) Calculate area from force and pressure.
(Physics only) State that pressure is measured in pascals.
(Physics only) Explain why a smaller area gives a greater pressure for the same force.
(Physics only) Explain why a larger area gives a smaller pressure for the same force.
(Physics only) Apply pressure ideas to everyday examples such as sharp blades, snowshoes or high heels.
(Physics only) Apply MS 3b and MS 3c skills when rearranging pressure equations.

Pressure in liquids (physics only)11 objectives

(Physics only) Explain that pressure in a liquid increases with depth.
(Physics only) Explain that pressure in a liquid acts in all directions.
(Physics only) Explain that pressure in a liquid is caused by the weight of liquid above.
(Physics only) Use the equation pressure = height of column x density x gravitational field strength.
(Physics only) Calculate pressure from depth, density and gravitational field strength.
(Physics only) Calculate depth from pressure, density and gravitational field strength.
(Physics only) Identify density in kilograms per metre cubed and depth in metres when using p = hρg.
(Physics only) Explain why pressure differences in a liquid produce an upwards force on submerged objects.
(Physics only) Describe upthrust as the upward force on an object in a fluid.
(Physics only) Explain floating and sinking in terms of weight and upthrust.
(Physics only) Apply MS 3b and MS 3c skills when rearranging liquid-pressure equations.

Atmospheric pressure (physics only)10 objectives

(Physics only) Describe atmospheric pressure as pressure caused by air particles colliding with surfaces.
(Physics only) Explain that the atmosphere becomes less dense at greater height.
(Physics only) Explain why atmospheric pressure decreases as height above Earth's surface increases.
(Physics only) Link atmospheric pressure to the weight of air above a surface.
(Physics only) Explain why pressure differences can produce forces in gases.
(Physics only) Interpret simple examples involving atmospheric pressure and pressure differences.
(Physics only) Distinguish atmospheric pressure from liquid pressure and gas pressure in containers.
(Physics only) Explain why air pressure acts in all directions.
(Physics only) Use particle ideas to explain pressure from collisions with surfaces.
(Physics only) Apply qualitative reasoning to atmospheric pressure changes with altitude.

PressureForceAreaPascalUpthrustDepthHydrostatic PressureLiquid PressureGravitational Field Strengthdensitydepthpressure difference

Understand Pressure Definition: Remember that pressure is defined as force per unit area. Use the formula P = F/A to relate pressure, force, and area.
Understand Pressure Calculation: Use the named force or motion quantity when you memorize the equation for pressure: pressure = force / area. Practice rearranging it to find force or area as needed. Link your answer to Pressure on a surface (physics only) and keep force and pressure separate.

Misunderstanding Pressure Definition: Emphasize that pressure is defined as force divided by area (P = F/A), and practice calculating pressure using this formula to reinforce the concept.
Misunderstanding Pressure Calculation: Remember that pressure is defined as force applied per unit area. Always use the correct formula: pressure = force normal to a surface divided by area.

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