How is pressure defined in physics?

Pressure in physics is defined as the force exerted over a given area. This definition highlights the relationship between the amount of force being applied and the area over which it is distributed. Mathematically, pressure can be expressed as ( P = \frac{F}{A} ), where ( P ) is pressure, ( F ) is the normal force applied, and ( A ) is the area over which the force is acting.

Understanding this concept is crucial in various applications, such as calculating the pressure exerted by fluids, understanding how forces interact in different contexts, and even in engineering fields where pressure needs to be measured accurately for safety and functionality. This definition is fundamental to understanding topics such as hydrostatics, gas laws, and the behavior of materials under stress.