Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Your notes
Physics
Pressure
Contents
Pressure & Forces
Pressure in a Liquid
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Pressure & Forces
Your notes
Pressure
What is pressure?
Pressure is defined as
The force per unit area
Pressure is measured in pascals (Pa)
1 pascal is equivalent to 1 newton per metre squared
1 Pa = 1 N/m2
It can be calculated using the following pressure equation:
force
pressure =
area
F
p =A
Where:
p = pressure measured in pascals (Pa) or newtons per metre (N/m2)
F = force measured in newtons (N)
A = area measured in metres squared (m2)
This equation can be rearranged with the help of a formula triangle:
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A formula triangle can help rearrange the pressure equation
For more information on how to use a formula triangle refer to the revision note on speed Your notes
& velocity
This equation tells us that:
If a force is spread over a large area it will result in a small pressure
If it is spread over a small area it will result in a large pressure
Examples of applications of pressure
Example 1: Tractors
Tractors have large tyres
This spreads the weight (force) of the tractor over a large area
This reduces the pressure which prevents the heavy tractor from sinking into the
mud
Example 2: Drawing pins
Drawing pins have sharp pointed ends with a very small area
This concentrates the force, creating a large pressure over a small area
This allows the drawing pin to be pushed into a wall
Applying a force to a drawing pin
When you push a drawing pin, it goes into the surface (rather than your finger)
Example 3: High heels
High heels have small, sharp points with a small area
This concentrates the weight (force), creating a large pressure over a small area
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Flat shoes have a larger area which the weight (force) is spread over resulting in a
lower pressure
Your notes
This explains why high heels sink into soft surfaces more easily than flat shoes
The effect of surface area on pressure
High heels produce a higher pressure on the ground because of their smaller area,
compared to flat shoes
Worked Example
The diagram below shows the parts of the lifting machine used to move the platform
up and down.
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Your notes
The pump creates pressure in the liquid of 5.28 × 105 Pa to move the platform
upwards.
Calculate the force that the liquid applies to the piston.
Answer:
Step 1: List the known quantities
Cross-sectional area = 2.73 × 10-2 m2
Pressure = 5.28 × 105 Pa
Step 2: Write down the relevant equation
F
p=
A
Step 3: Rearrange for the force, F
F =p×A
Step 4: Substitute the values into the equation
F = 5 . 28 × 105 × 2 . 73 × 10−2 = 14 414 . 4
( ) ( )
Step 5: Round to the appropriate number of significant figures and quote the
correct unit
F = 14 400 N = 14. 4 kN ( 3 s. f )
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Pressure in a Liquid
Your notes
Liquid pressure
Factors affecting pressure in a liquid
The pressure beneath the surface of a liquid will increase with the depth of the liquid
This is because the pressure in a liquid is caused by the force of the weight of the
liquid above it
As the depth increases, there is increasingly more liquid above which causes the
pressure to increase
Pressure in a liquid also depends on the density of the liquid
The more dense the liquid, the greater the pressure it exerts
Pressure in a column of water
In a column of water, the highest pressure would be at the bottom
If a hole is made at the bottom of the column, the water will pour out with
a large force
If a hole was made at the top of the column, the water will pour out with a small force
This is because of the difference in pressure in the column caused by the weight of
the water
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Pressure in a column of water increases with depth, shown by the strong and weak jet of
water
Your notes
If several holes were made at the same height, the water would spurt out the same
distance from each hole
This is because pressure at the same depth acts equally in all directions
Examiner Tips and Tricks
Remember, a fluid can be either a liquid or a gas. In all fluids, pressure is affected by
depth and density. This means that, like in liquids, the pressure within gases also
changes with depth and density.
Calculating liquid pressure
Extended tier only
The pressure acting on an object in a liquid changes with depth
The deeper the object, the higher the pressure exerted upon it and vice versa
The equation for the pressure difference at different depths in a liquid is given by the
equation:
Δp = ρg Δh
Where:
Δp = change in pressure, measured in pascals (Pa)
Where 1 Pa = 1 N/m2
ρ = density of the liquid, measured in kilograms per metre cubed (kg/m3)
g = gravitational field strength on Earth, measured in newtons per kilogram (N/kg)
Δh = change in height of the column, measured in metres (m)
Pressure in a liquid with a density is applied at a depth
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Your notes
The force from the pressure of objects in a liquid is exerted evenly across its whole
surface
Worked Example
Calculate the depth of water in a swimming pool where a pressure of 20 kPa is
exerted. The density of water is 1000 kg/m3 and the gravitational field strength on
Earth is 9.8 N/kg.
Answer:
Step 1: List the known quantities
Pressure, Δp = 20 kPa
Density of water, ρ = 1000 kg m3 /
Gravitational field strength, g = .
9 8 N kg /
Step 2: List the relevant equation
Δp = ρg Δh
Step 3: Rearrange for height, Δh
Δp
Δh = ρg
Step 4: Convert any units
20 kPa = 20 000 Pa
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Step 5: Substitute in the values
20 000 Your notes
Δh = 1000 × 9 . 8
Δh = 2 . 0408 = 2 . 0 m
Examiner Tips and Tricks
You need to be able to recall the equation for the change in pressure and make sure
you are comfortable rearranging it for the variable required in the question!
Some exam questions may ask about the total pressure exerted on an object or
surface within the liquid; in this case, you need to account for the atmospheric
pressure as well. Atmospheric pressure is approximately 100 kPa.
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