Pressure Chapter 11 Section 1

Pressure and Area Pressure decreases as the area over which a force is distributed increases. The larger the area over which the force is distributed, the less pressure exerted.

Pressure Pressure = Force Area Pressure is equal to the force exerted on a surface divided by the total area over which the force is exerted.

SI Unit of Pressure Force is measured in _________. Area is measured in __________. So Pressure is measured in _________ or pascal (Pa).

Fluid Pressure A fluid is a material that can easily flow. A fluid can easily change shape All of the force exerted by the individual particles in a fluid combine to make up the pressure exerted by the fluids. The fluid pressure is the total force exerted by the fluid divided by the area over which the force is exerted.

Variations in Fluid Pressure As your elevation increases, atmospheric pressure decreases. Water pressure increases as depth increases.

Measuring Pressure A barometer is an instrument used to measure atmospheric pressure. Barometric pressure readings may be expressed in millimeters, inches, or millibar.