Pressure

Factors affecting magnitude

of pressure.
The pressure in solid depends on the surface area of contact. A force (F)
applied onto a small area exerts a higher pressure as compared to when it is
applied onto a large surface.

Pressure in solid = Force applied/Area of contact.

 Question.
A block of wood that weighs 30N and measures 5m by 10m by 4m. If it
was placed on a table with the largest possible area (5mx10m) in
contact with table, exerts less pressure than it would when placed with
its smallest possible area (5mx4m) in contact with table.Find the
maximum pressure and minimum pressure exerted by a block of wood.
Question
Question
Applications of Pressure
 .
• It is used to make different objects like screw, nails, pins, spears and
arrows. This item is given sharp points to increase their penetrating
power.
• It helps some of living organisms for self-defense. A fish uses its
sharp fins to protect itself.
• When one walks on shoes with sharp pointed heels they exert
greater pressure on the ground than when wearing flat shoes.
• It helps in construction of railways. During the constructions of
railways, wide wooden or concrete sleepers are placed below the
railways tracks. This provides a larger surface area over which the
weight of the train acts. This is a safety measure to train tracks.
• Buildings are constructed with wide foundations to ensure that the
weight of the building acts over the layer area.
 Pressure in Liquid.
• A liquid will exert pressure on an immersed
object as well as on the walls of the container
holding it. Note that the pressure exerted by
liquids is due to the weight of the liquid. Also
increase in water level in liquid cause increase
in pressure.
• Note: Pressure in liquids =Force/Area
• But force= hApg/A
Characteristics of Pressure
of Liquid.
1.Pressure in a liquid increase with depth
2.Pressure in a liquid acts equally in all directions.
3.Pressure in a liquid increases with increase in density of the liquid.