EDEXCEL GCSE FOUNDATION MATHS - What is Pressure

Edexcel GCSE Foundation Maths - What is Pressure?

Introduction:

Pressure is a fundamental concept in physics that describes the force acting perpendicularly on a surface. It is a crucial concept in various fields, including engineering, medicine, and everyday life. This tutorial will guide you through the basics of pressure and its applications.

Definition of Pressure:

Pressure is defined as the force acting perpendicularly on a surface divided by the area of that surface. It is expressed mathematically as:

Pressure (P) = Force (F) / Area (A)

Units of Pressure:

The standard unit of pressure is the Pascal (Pa), which is defined as one Newton per square meter (N/m²). Other common units include:

• Kilopascal (kPa): 1 kPa = 1000 Pa
• Bar: 1 bar = 100 kPa
• Atmosphere (atm): 1 atm = 101.325 kPa

Factors Affecting Pressure:

• Force: As the force applied increases, the pressure also increases.
• Area: As the area of the surface decreases, the pressure increases.

Examples of Pressure in Everyday Life:

• Walking: When you walk, your weight applies pressure to the ground.
• Inflating a Tyre: The air inside a tyre exerts pressure on the inner walls.
• Blood Pressure: The pressure of blood flowing through your arteries is measured as blood pressure.

Applications of Pressure:

• Hydraulic Systems: Hydraulic systems utilize pressure to lift heavy objects.
• Pneumatic Systems: Pneumatic systems use compressed air to power tools and machinery.
• Meteorology: Atmospheric pressure is used to predict weather patterns.

Key Concepts to Remember:

• Pressure is a measure of force acting perpendicularly on a surface.
• Pressure is calculated by dividing force by area.
• The units of pressure are Pascals (Pa), kilopascals (kPa), bars, and atmospheres (atm).
• Pressure is affected by force and area.

Practice Problems:

1. A force of 50 N is applied to a surface with an area of 2 m². Calculate the pressure.
2. A rectangular block with a base of 10 cm x 20 cm exerts a force of 100 N. What is the pressure applied by the block?

Conclusion:

Understanding the concept of pressure is crucial for comprehending various physical phenomena. This tutorial provides a basic introduction to pressure, its definition, units, factors affecting it, and real-world applications. By mastering this concept, you will gain a deeper understanding of the forces at play in our daily lives.