Pressure - GCSE Physics Definition
Reviewed by: Caroline Carroll
Published
Pressure is a measure of how much force is applied over a certain area. In simple terms, it's like thinking about how hard you press on something with your hand. If you press a pin against a board, it feels different from pressing the flat side of a spoon, even if you use the same strength. This is because the pin has a small area and creates more pressure. In physics, we calculate pressure using the formula:
Pressure = Force ÷ Area
Pressure is measured in pascals (Pa)
Force is measured in Newtons (N)
Area is measured in metres squared (m2)
Understanding pressure helps explain things like how tyres support a car, why nails hold things together, and how deep-sea creatures withstand the weight of water above them.
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