Pressure Flashcards
What is pressure?
Pressure is a measure of how much a force is spread out.
What units are used to measure pressure?
Pressure is measured in Pascals (Pa) or Newtons per square metre (N/m²).
What is the equation for pressure?
Pressure = Force ÷ Area
What does high pressure mean in terms of area?
A high pressure means the force is concentrated on a small area.
What does low pressure mean in terms of area?
A low pressure means the force is spread out over a large area.
Why would you want to increase pressure?
To concentrate force for cutting, stabbing, or sinking.
Why would you want to decrease pressure?
To avoid cutting, stabbing, or sinking; for example, snowshoes.
How do you calculate the pressure on your feet?
Measure your mass (kg), calculate the force (N), trace your foot on graph paper to find the area (cm²), and use the equation.
What is 1 Pascal equivalent to?
1 Pa = 1 N/m²
What happens to pressure when area decreases?
Pressure increases.
What happens to pressure when area increases?
Pressure decreases.
Why do knives have sharp edges?
To increase pressure and make cutting easier.
Why do snowshoes have large surface areas?
To decrease pressure so the wearer doesn’t sink into the snow.
What is the formula for weight in Newtons?
Weight (N) = Mass (kg) x 10 N/kg (Earth)
What does a bed of nails demonstrate?
It demonstrates the principle of pressure distribution over a large area.
