LucidSTEM
IGCSE 0625 · MECHANICS · 1.8
Pressure
Pressure as force per unit area, the Extended idea of pressure beneath a liquid, hydraulics, and how pressure connects to gas behaviour and the weather. It builds on forces and density.
TOPIC 1.8: PRESSURE
CAMBRIDGE IGCSE PHYSICS 0625 · PATHWAYS
TheLucidSTEM · thelucidstem.com
BUILDS ON
1.5
Forces
1.4
Density
LEADS TO
2.1
Gas pressure
Hydraulics & weather
PRESSURE
& FLUIDS
1 · WHAT IS PRESSURE
Pressure is the force acting on each unit
of area.
p = F / A
unit: pascal (Pa)
1 Pa = 1 N/m²
The same force on a small area gives a high
pressure: that is why a sharp knife cuts.
2 · PRESSURE IN A LIQUID
EXTENDED
Pressure rises with depth and with the
density of the liquid.
Δp = ρ g Δh
It pushes equally in all directions at a point.
deeper water,
stronger jet
3 · USING PRESSURE
A liquid passes pressure on, so a small force
can be turned into a large one.
small F
large F
Hydraulic brakes and lifts use this force multiplying.
4 · PRESSURE CONNECTS TOPICS
Gas pressure comes from particles hitting the
walls of their container (Topic 2.1).
A barometer measures atmospheric pressure;
a manometer measures gas pressure.
Differences in air pressure drive the weather.
Whether an object floats depends on the
upward pressure of the fluid around it.
TOPIC 1.8: PRESSURE
CAMBRIDGE IGCSE PHYSICS 0625 · PATHWAYS
TheLucidSTEM · thelucidstem.com
BUILDS ON
1.5
Forces
1.4
Density
LEADS TO
2.1
Gas pressure
Hydraulics & weather
PRESSURE
& FLUIDS
1 · WHAT IS PRESSURE
Pressure is the force acting on each unit
of area.
p = F / A
unit: pascal (Pa)
1 Pa = 1 N/m²
The same force on a small area gives a high
pressure: that is why a sharp knife cuts.
2 · PRESSURE IN A LIQUID
EXTENDED
Pressure rises with depth and with the
density of the liquid.
Δp = ρ g Δh
It pushes equally in all directions at a point.
deeper water,
stronger jet
3 · USING PRESSURE
A liquid passes pressure on, so a small force
can be turned into a large one.
small F
large F
Hydraulic brakes and lifts use this force multiplying.
4 · PRESSURE CONNECTS TOPICS
Gas pressure comes from particles hitting the
walls of their container (Topic 2.1).
A barometer measures atmospheric pressure;
a manometer measures gas pressure.
Differences in air pressure drive the weather.
Whether an object floats depends on the
upward pressure of the fluid around it.