3.

2 PRESSURE IN
LIQUIDS
UNDERSTANDING PRESSURE IN
LIQUIDS
• Learning outcomes:
• Relate depth to pressure in a liquid
• Relate density to pressure in a liquid
• Explain pressure in a liquid and state that
P = hpg
• Describe applications of pressure in liquids
• Solve problems involving pressure in
liquids.
 introduction
A diver experiences discomfort
to his body and ears when he
dives deep underwater. Why is
it happen?

The arrows represent pressure on the

swimmer. The arrows from all directions
because the water exerts pressure in all
direction. That’s why swimmers feel the
water pressure on all parts of theirs body
when they are underwater.
EXISTENCE OF PRESSURE IN A LIQUID

KINETIC THEORY OF MATTER

Molecules of a liquid are closely arranged

but free to move
The molecules in a liquid are downward
pull by the force of gravity
And contribute to the weight of water
A column of liquid exerts a pressure on
the layer of liquid below
CHARACTERISTICS OF PRESSURE IN A LIQUID

The pressure at a point in a

liquid, at a particular depth, acts
equally in all directions

The pressure does not depend on the shape or size

(surface area)

The pressure in a liquid is affected by the force of gravity.

Force of gravity Pressure
• The pressure in a liquid increased with depth.
• The pressure at a point in a liquid depends on
its vertical distance from the surface of the
liquid.
• A liquid with a higher density exerts a higher
pressure, If other factors remain constant.
( a liquid of the same volume with a higher
density has a higher weight)
 DERIVING FORMULA FOR PRESSURE IN A LIQUID.
The formula for the pressure at a
depth, h in the liquid:
Volume of liquid column, V = Ah
Mass of liquid column, m = pV
Uniform
column = Ahp
h P Liquid
density, p
Weight of liquid column, W = mg
= Ahpg
A
The force acting on the surface area A is the
A = area of base weight of the liquid column above it.

h = Depth of base Pressure, P = Weight of liquid column

g = Gravitational field strength Area of base of liquid column

= W = Ahpg
p = density of liquid P = hpg
A A
APPLICATIONS OF PRESSURE IN LIQUIDS

• Public water supply system

The reservoir is placed at an elevated
location so that the water will have
sufficient pressure to flow to consumers
located at lower grounds
Every home has water tank above the roof
as storage and to have a constant water
pressure.
 Constructing of dams

Dams are built across rivers to stop the river flows and to
form the lake for water supply
The high water pressure is used to drive water turbines to
generate electricity
The water at the bottom of the dam is at the higher
pressure than at the top. Hence, the wall of the dam has to
be thicker at the base to sustain this higher water pressure.
 CHECK YOUR PROGRESS
• An air bubble is at a depth of 3 m below
the surface of lake. What is the pressure
of water on the air bubble?
• (take density of water = 1000 kgm-3 )
• h=3m
• P = hpg
= 3 x 1000 x 10
= 30 000 N m-2
= 30 KPa
 Calculate the water
pressure at the bottom of
the dam when the water
is at maximum level.
( take density of water =
1000 kg-3; g = 10 N kg-1 )
25 m
• water pressure at the
base of dam = hpg
• P = 25 x 1000 x 10
• = 250 000 N m-2
The figure shows a dam with a
depth of 25 m. • = 250 KPa
• A submarine has a surface area of 300 m2.
the density of sea water is 1050 kgm-3.

• At what depth under the sea, will the

additional pressure on the submarine be
5x105 Pa?
• If the submarine is at the depth determined
in a), calculate the force exerted by the sea
water on the surface of the submarine.
( take g = 10 N kg-1 )
a) P = hpg
5 x 105 Nm-2 = hpg
h= 5 x 105 N m-2
( 1050 kg m-3) ( 10 N kg-1)
= 47.62 m

b) Force, F = Pressure x Surface area

= 5 x 105 x 300
= 1.5 x 108 N
 KNOW YOUR FACTS
• Total pressure = Atmospheric pressure +
liquid pressure
• P = P atm + Pliquid
• = ( 76 cm Hg / 105 N m-2 ) + hpg
 EXERCISES
• A diving pool measure 40m long, 20m wide and
30m deep. Pradesh dives to a depth of 18m.
What is the pressure on him due to the water?
( density of water is 1000 kgm-3 )
• A tall cylinder contains mercury to a depth of 50
cm. Find the pressure it exerts at the base.
( density of mercury = 13 600 kgm-3)
• What is the pressure exerted by water of
density 1 000 kgm-3 at a point 20m below the
water surface ?