2007-03-15 13:58:36 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
Pressure = force per unit area
2007-03-15 14:00:49 · answer #1 · answered by science teacher 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As many have said already, P=F/A. This relationship means that just b/c force is great doesn't mean that pressure is great. If you drive a textbook hard into the wall, it might make a dent, but you really have to do it with a LOT of force. On the other hand, you could penetrate a wall's surface much more easily by using a sharp tack. The reasoning? There is much less area for a tack than a book; thus, A is very small for a tack and comparatively HUGE for a book. This is one of the key differences between pressure and force. Pressure is basically the measurement of force spread out over an area; the area matters a lot, as in the example I gave above.
2007-03-15 14:03:45 · answer #2 · answered by J Z 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pressure is a force distributed over an area.
2007-03-15 14:00:55 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pressure is force over area. This can also be restated as force is pressure applied over an area. For instance a force of 1 lb applied over a surface of 1 sq. in. creates a pressure of 1 pound per sq. in. (1 psi). If 1 psi is exerted on a surface of 10 sq. in., the resulting force is 10 lbs. It is on this principle that hydraulic jacks, cylinders and lifts work.
2007-03-15 14:06:25 · answer #4 · answered by James H 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pressure is force divided by the area over which it is applied
P = F/A
2007-03-15 14:01:00 · answer #5 · answered by Orinoco 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pressure is mass or weight acting on an unit of area.
If you take an area of 100cm² and place a weight of 100g (force) on it, the pressure is 1g/cm².
If you place the 100g (force) on an area of 1cm², the pressure is 100g/cm².
Push a thumb-tack into a piece of wood, the area of the top of the tack is very large compared to the point.. the tack enters easily.
Try the same thing with an 15cm nail using your thumb....
..No-way.
2007-03-15 16:33:20 · answer #6 · answered by Norrie 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
force is mass times acceleration, i think.
2007-03-15 14:03:38 · answer #7 · answered by daryleddy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
contact initiation?
2007-03-15 14:00:55 · answer #8 · answered by Jack K 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋