Physics SPM 2017 Chapter 3: Forces and Pressure

CHAPTER 3: FORCES AND PRESSURE

3.1 Pressure

Pressure is the perpendicular force per unit area. Units of pressure

Unit Note
Pa SI unit
F
P
-2
Nm Equivalent to Pa
-2
A N cm
cm Hg
where P = pressure [Pa] m water
F = force [N] atm 1 atm = 1 bar = atmospheric
bar pressure at sea level
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  h g

where P = pressure [Pa]

h = height of liquid [m]
ρ = 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=hρg.

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Physics SPM 2017 Chapter 3: Forces and Pressure
For example:
Given that h = 76 cm and the density of mercury is 13 600 kg m-3:

Answer:
Atmospheric pressure = 76 cm Hg

State the answer in Pascal:

P = hρg = 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 Pressure at point A = Pressure at point C
Gas pressure = Atmospheric pressure + hρg Gas pressure = Atmospheric pressure - hρg

A C

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Physics SPM 2017 Chapter 3: Forces and Pressure
3.4 Pascal’s Principle

Pascal’s 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

A1 A2
F2
F1

All hydraulic systems are built based on Pascal’s Principle.

3.4.1 Practical Applications

Hydraulic jack  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.
Hydraulic brake  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.
Hydraulic pump  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 SPM 2017 Chapter 3: Forces and Pressure
3.5 Archimedes’ Principle

Archimedes’ principle states that when an object is partially or fully immersed in a fluid, the object
experiences a buoyant force which is equal to the weight of the fluid displaced.

Buoyant force = Weight of fluid displaced

= Vρg

where V = volume of fluid displaced [m3]

ρ = 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 = Vρg 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 = Vρg

where m = mass of the hydrometer [kg]

V = volume of liquid displaced [m3]
ρ = 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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Physics SPM 2017 Chapter 3: Forces and Pressure
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 TF = Tropical freshwater

with Plimsoll lines F = Freshwater
at the sides as a T = Tropical ocean
guide on the S = Summer ocean
maximum load the W = Winter ocean
ship can bear in WNA = Winter in North
different Atlantic Ocean
conditions.

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Physics SPM 2017 Chapter 3: Forces and Pressure
3.6 Bernoulli’s Principle

Bernoulli’s 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 Carburetor Bunsen Burner

 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 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.
 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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