Chapter 3: Forces and Pressure

CHAPTER 3: FORCES AND PRESSURE

Physics

3.1

SPM 2015

Pressure
Units of pressure
Unit
Note
Pa
SI unit
-2
Nm
Equivalent to Pa
-2
N cm
cm Hg
m water
atm
1 atm = 1 bar = atmospheric
pressure at sea level
bar

Pressure is the perpendicular force per unit area.

P

F
A

where P = pressure [Pa]

F = force [N]
A = area [m2]

3.2

Pressure in Liquids

Pressure in liquids does not depend on the size or shape of the container, or the volume of the liquid. It is
affected by factors in the following formula:
P hg

where P = pressure [Pa]

h = height of liquid [m]
= density of liquid [kg m-3]
g = gravitational acceleration [m s-2]

3.3

Atmospheric and Gas Pressure

3.3.1 Atmospheric Pressure

Atmospheric pressure is measured by barometers.
Atmospheric
pressure at sea
level:
76 cm Hg
10 m water
100 000 Pa
1 bar
1 atm

Mercury barometer

Aneroid barometer

Atmospheric pressure measured by a simple mercury barometer can be calculated using the formula P=hg.

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 Physics
For example:
Given that h
13 600 kg m-3:

Chapter 3: Forces and Pressure

SPM 2015
=

76

cm

and

the

density

of

mercury

is

Answer:
Atmospheric pressure = 76 cm Hg
State the answer in Pascal:
P = hg = 0.76(13 600)(10) = 103 360 Pa

3.3.2 Gas Pressure

Gas pressure can be measured using manometers and Bourdon gauges.

Manometer

Bourdon gauge

In manometers, pressure can be calculated based on pressure equilibrium.

For example:
Pressure at point A = Pressure at point C
Gas pressure = Atmospheric pressure + hg

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 Physics

3.4

Chapter 3: Forces and Pressure

SPM 2015

Pascals Principle

Pascals Principle states that pressure which is exerted onto the surface of a fluid in a closed container will be
transferred uniformly throughout the entire fluid.

F1 F2

A1 A2

A2

A1
F2

F1

All hydraulic systems are built based on Pascals Principle.

3.4.1 Practical Applications

Hydraulic jack

Hydraulic brake

Hydraulic pump

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When the lever is pushed downwards, valve A closes while valve B

opens.
Pressure is transferred to the larger cylinder and creates a large
force to lift the car.
When the lever is pulled upwards, valve B closes while valve A
opens. The hydraulic oil flows out from the tank to fill the space in
the small cylinder.
As every movement downwards by the lever creates a small
movement upwards for the large piston, the lever needs to be
pushed and pulled repeatedly before the car can be raised to a
certain height required.
The car can be lowered down by opening the release valve so that
the hydraulic oil can flow back into the tank.
When the driver steps on the brake pedal, the piston in the main
cylinder transfers pressure through the hydraulic oil in the
cylinders.
Pressure is transferred uniformly through the hydraulic oil.
The pistons in the slave cylinders are larger, therefore a large
amount of force is transferred to the brake pads.
The brake pads transfer the large amount of force onto the disc so
that the rotation of the tire is slowed down.
A hydraulic machine uses a hydraulic pump to transfer hydraulic
liquid from one vessel into a large cylinder to create a movement.
The diagram shows a hydraulic pump used to move the arm of a
crane.

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 Physics

3.5

SPM 2015

Chapter 3: Forces and Pressure

Archimedes Principle

Archimedes principle states that when an object is partially or fully immersed in a fluid, the object
undergoes a buoyant force which is equal to the weight of the fluid displaced
Buoyant force = Weight of fluid displaced
= Vg
where V = volume of fluid displaced [m3]
= density of fluid [kg m-3]
g = gravitational acceleration [m s-2]

If the object is floating stationary:

Weight of object = Weight of fluid displaced
mg = Vg

Buoyant force
Weight of object

3.5.1 Hydrometer
A hydrometer is used to measure the relative density of a liquid.

When the hydrometer floats stationary on the surface of the liquid,

Weight of the hydrometer = Weight of the liquid displaced
mg = Vg
where m = mass of the hydrometer [kg]
V = volume of liquid displaced [m3]
= density of liquid [kg m-3]
g = gravitational acceleration [m s-2]
The higher the hydrometer floats, the denser the liquid.
The lower the hydrometer floats, the less dense the liquid.

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Chapter 3: Forces and Pressure

SPM 2015

3.5.2 Practical applications

Submarine
The buoyant force acting on the submarine is always the same because the weight of fluid displaced is
always the same.

When water is pumped into the ballast tank, the

weight of the submarine increases. When the weight
of the submarine is greater than the buoyant force,
the submarine sinks.
Hot air balloon

When water is pumped out of the ballast tank and

replaced with air, the weight of the submarine
decreases. When the weight of the submarine is less
than the buoyant force, the submarine floats.
Ships

A hot air balloon displaces a large volume of air.

When the weight of the balloon is less than the
upward thrust, the hot air balloon will move
upwards.
Ships are marked
with Plimsoll lines
at the sides as a
guide
on
the
maximum load the
ship can bear in
different
conditions.

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TF = Tropical freshwater
F = Freshwater
T = Tropical ocean
S = Summer ocean
W = Winter ocean
WNA = Winter in North
Atlantic Ocean

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3.6

Chapter 3: Forces and Pressure

SPM 2015

Bernoullis Principle

Bernoullis principle states that when the speed of a flowing fluid increases, the pressure at that point
decreases.
Uniform tube

Venturi tube

Water flows from high pressure to low The cross-section at B is the smallest, therefore water travels at
pressure.
the fastest speed.
The pressure at B is the lowest.
Speed at A and C are sthe same because they have the same
cross-section area. However, the pressure gradient still
decreases from A to C.

3.6.1 Practical Applications

Aerofoil
As the aerofoil shape cuts through
the air, the air is forced to travel at
a higher speed on top of the
aerofoil compared to below the
aerofoil.
The high speed area causes the air
to have low pressure.
Therefore, the higher pressure
area pressures against the aerofoil
towards the lower pressure area
causing a lifting force.

Carburetor
Carburetor mixes petrol and air
for burning in the engine
cylinder.
When air flows through the
narrower part of the tube, the
speed increases thus the
pressure decreases. An area with
low pressure is formed at X.
The atmospheric pressure, which
is greater, pushes the petrol out
from the jet.

Bunsen Burner
Gas flows out through the
narrow jet at a very high
velocity.
A low-pressured area is formed
at X.
The air outside at atmospheric
pressure flows in and mixes with
gas to light it.
Oxygen supply which is enough
from the air will ensure a
complete burning to produce a
hotter flame and less luminous.

END OF CHAPTER

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