Variation in Pressure with Area


 
 
Concept Explanation
 

Variation in Pressure with Area

VARIATION IN PRESSURE WITH AREA: From the formula: Pressure = Force/ Area, following conclusions can be drawn about pressure:

  • The lesser the area of contact of a given body, the more is the pressure exerted by it.
  • The more the area of contact of a given body the lesser the pressure it will exert.
  • The more the force acting on a body, the more the pressure it will exert.
  • The SI unit of pressure is Pascal (Pa). Increasing the area over which a particular force acts decreases the pressure produced. The converse is also true- decreasing the area over which a particular force acts increases the pressure produced. For example: the pointed end of a high-healed shoe exerts a greater pressure than the flat end, as the force is acting over a smaller at the pointed end. A camel has flat, broad feet that reduce the pressure exerted on the sand. As a result, the camels feet sink very little in the sand, allowing it to move fast.

    Sample Questions
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    Question : 1

    Which of the following are correct :

    (a) The lesser the area of contact of a given body, the more is the pressure exerted by it.

    (b) The more the area of contact of a given body the lesser the pressure it will exert.

    Right Option : C
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    Explanation
    Question : 2

    The lesser the area of contact of a given body, the _______________ is the pressure exerted by it.

    Right Option : B
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    Explanation
    Question : 3

    Which of the following are correct :

    (a) The more the force acting on a body, the more the pressure it will exert.

    (b) The more the force acting on a body, the less the pressure it will exert.

    Right Option : A
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    Explanation
     
     


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