This introduction covers What Is Pressure? within Pressure for GCSE Mathematics. Revise Pressure in Ratio & Proportion for GCSE Mathematics with 12 exam-style questions and 2 flashcards. This topic appears less often, but it can still be a useful differentiator on mixed-topic papers. It is section 1 of 6 in this topic. Use this introduction to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
What Is Pressure?
Why can you walk on snow with snowshoes but sink without them? Same force (your weight), but spread over a bigger area = less pressure! High heels can damage floors because all your weight is concentrated on a tiny area. Pressure = how concentrated a force is.
Practice questions for Pressure
Which formula correctly defines pressure?
A woman weighs 650 N. She wears flat shoes (each with area 150 cm²) or stiletto heels (each with area 1 cm²). She stands on one foot. Explain why the stiletto heel exerts a much greater pressure on the floor than the flat shoe. Support your answer with a calculation.
Quick recall flashcards
Pressure Formula
Pressure = Force ÷ Area. Units: N/m² or Pascals (Pa). Same force over smaller area = MORE pressure!
Pressure Applications
Pressure = Force ÷ Area. Sharp knives, stiletto heels, snowshoes - all examples of changing area to change pressure!