This definitions covers Key Terms within Pressure for GCSE Physics. Revise Pressure in Forces for GCSE Physics with 15 exam-style questions and 12 flashcards. This is a high-frequency topic, so it is worth revising until the explanation feels precise and repeatable. It is section 8 of 16 in this topic. Make sure you can use the exact wording confidently, because definition marks are often lost through vague language.
Topic position
Section 8 of 16
Practice
15 questions
Recall
12 flashcards
📖 Key Terms
- Pressure
- The force acting per unit area on a surface. Measured in Pascals (Pa). Formula: P = F/A.
- Pascal (Pa)
- The SI unit of pressure. 1 Pa = 1 Newton per square metre (1 N/m²). Atmospheric pressure at sea level is approximately 101,000 Pa.
- Fluid
- Any substance that can flow — includes both liquids and gases. Fluids exert pressure in all directions.
- Upthrust
- The net upward force that a fluid exerts on a submerged or partially submerged object. Caused by pressure being greater at the bottom of the object than at the top.
- Atmospheric pressure
- The pressure exerted by the weight of the atmosphere pressing down on Earth's surface. Decreases with altitude. About 101,000 Pa at sea level.
- Density (ρ)
- Mass per unit volume (kg/m³). Denser fluids create greater pressure at a given depth.