Pressure in Fluids — GCSE Physics Revision
Revise Pressure in Fluids for GCSE Physics. Step-by-step explanation, worked examples, common mistakes and exam-style practice aligned to AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC, Eduqas, CCEA, Cambridge International (CIE), SQA, IB, AP.
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Go to Work Done & SpringsWhat is Pressure in Fluids?
Pressure in a fluid (a liquid or a gas) is caused by the collisions of the fluid particles with a surface. The pressure acts in all directions and increases with depth. This is because the weight of the fluid above exerts a force on the fluid below. The pressure in a liquid can be calculated using the formula P = hρg, where h is the depth, ρ is the density of the fluid, and g is the gravitational field strength.
Board notes: Covered by all major boards (AQA, Edexcel, OCR). The pressure formula P = hρg is usually for Higher Tier only.
Step-by-step explanationWorked example
Calculate the pressure at the bottom of a swimming pool that is 3m deep. The density of water is 1000 kg/m³ and g = 9.8 N/kg. Solution: Pressure = hρg = 3m x 1000 kg/m³ x 9.8 N/kg = 29,400 Pa.
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Common mistakes
- 1Forgetting that pressure acts in all directions within a fluid, not just downwards.
- 2Thinking that the pressure depends on the shape of the container. The pressure at a certain depth only depends on the depth, density, and g.
- 3Using the wrong units in the pressure calculation. Depth must be in metres, density in kg/m³, and g in N/kg to get pressure in Pascals (Pa).
Pressure in Fluids exam questions
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Step-by-step method
Step-by-step explanation
4 steps · Worked method for Pressure in Fluids
Core concept
Pressure in a fluid (a liquid or a gas) is caused by the collisions of the fluid particles with a surface. The pressure acts in all directions and increases with depth. This is because the weight of t…
Frequently asked questions
Why do your ears pop when you go up in a plane?
As the plane climbs, the atmospheric pressure outside decreases. The air trapped in your middle ear is at a higher pressure, which pushes on your eardrum. The 'pop' is the sound of the pressure equalising as air escapes through your Eustachian tube.
What is upthrust?
Upthrust is the upward force that a fluid exerts on an object submerged in it. It is caused by the pressure of the fluid being greater at the bottom of the object than at the top. If the upthrust is equal to the object's weight, the object will float.