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Jun 1, 2008 Paul A. Heckert

Modern Anaeroid Barometer - c

 


 
In physics pressure is the force per unit area. There are many applications
of this concept.

For many people, pressure conjures up images of the boss piling up too
much work or in school an upcoming exam, perhaps in physics. However in
physics the word "pressure" has a specific meaning that is different from
this everyday meaning.

The formula or equation for pressure is the force divided by the area. Let's
see what this means.



Force is a difficult to define fundamental quantity in physics. It is often

referred to as a push or a pull. More specifically, from Newton's second
law, a force is what accelerates an object, changing its velocity.

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In the standard international system of units, used by scientists, force is

measured in newtons. The abbreviation for newtons is N. A newton is a
kilogram meter per second squared. In English units, force is measured in
pounds. Note that pounds are a unit of force and kilograms are a unit of
mass so it is technically incorrect to convert from pounds to kilograms.



Pressure is defined as the force per unit area, which is calculated by taking
the total force and dividing it by the area over which the force acts. Force
and pressure are related but different concepts. A very small pressure, if
applied to a large area, can produce a large total force.

In English units, pressure is measured in pounds per square inch. Pounds

per square foot would also be correct.

In the international system pressure is measured in newtons per square

meter, which are defined as pascals (abbreviated Pa). Pressure can also
be measured in mm of mercury (Hg). This unit stems from old fashioned
barometers that are designed to use atmospheric pressure to lift a column
of mercury. The number of mm of mercury is simply the number of mm that
the pressure pushes up the mercury column. To convert among these units
use 1 mm of mercury = 133 pascals = 0.02 pounds per square inch.




÷ Understanding Work in Physics

÷ Understanding Mass and Weight
÷ Understanding Mass

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Why does a sharp knife cut more easily than a dull one? A sharp knife
blade has a smaller area. Therefore for the same amount of force, the
sharp knife blade exerts more pressure and cuts more easily.

A woman wearing spiked high heel shoes can damage a floor more easily
than when she is wearing flat shoes. With the spiked heels, the force of her
weight is concentrated on a smaller area to exert more pressure.

Blood pressure is the force that the blood exerts on a unit area of our artery
walls. If the blood pressure is too low, there is not enough force to push the
blood to our brains and we pass out. If this pressure is too high, it can burst
a weak blood vessel.

Atmospheric pressure is the force from the weight of the atmosphere above
us pushing down on a unit area. In a fluid, which is a liquid or a gas, the
pressure increases with the depth of the fluid because there is a greater
weight of fluid pushing down on each unit of area. This effect can cause our
ears to pop as we go up or down mountains. The atmospheric pressure
changes with elevation and we must swallow or yawn to allow

Pascal's principle states that any pressure applied to an enclosed fluid is

transmitted to every point in the fluid. This principle is the foundation for all
hydraulic devices.

Pressure is a fundamental physical concept with many applications.

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