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Pressure

Pressure is caused when particles in gases or water hit the side of containers. The unit is Newton per Metres2 or N/m2, but also Pascals. One N/m2 is equal to 1 Pascal (Pa).

Pressure

Pressure

  • In a gas, particles are moving in all directions and at different speeds.
  • If they hit the sides of their container or walls, this causes pressure.
  • This is the same for water pressure.
  • A greater number of collisions means an increase in pressure.
Calculating pressure

Calculating pressure

  • To calculate pressure, you must use the equation:
    • Pressure = force ÷ area.
  • The units are:
    • Pressure: N/m2.
    • Force: N.
    • Area: m2.
  • 1 N/m2 is equal to 1 Pascal (Pa).
Area and pressure

Area and pressure

  • The larger the area in contact with a force, the lower the pressure.
  • So a sharper knife will cut through a carrot easier than a blunt knife because of its smaller surface area.
  • A smaller surface will increase the pressure.
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