What is the formula for pressure?

Gain the confidence you need for the SQA National 5 Physics Exam with our comprehensive quiz. Test yourself with multiple choice questions that include hints and explanations. Be prepared and succeed in your exam!

Pressure is defined as the amount of force applied per unit area. The correct formula for pressure, denoted as ( P ), is given by the relationship ( P = F/A ), where ( F ) is the force exerted perpendicular to the surface and ( A ) is the area over which the force is distributed. This formula shows that as the force increases, the pressure also increases, assuming the area remains constant. Conversely, if the area increases while the force remains the same, the pressure decreases.

Understanding this relationship is essential, particularly in contexts such as fluids, gases, and mechanical systems, where pressure plays a crucial role in the behavior of materials and systems.

The other options do not accurately represent this fundamental relationship. For example, adding or multiplying the force by area does not yield a meaningful expression for pressure, as pressure specifically correlates force with area in a division format.

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