Pressure in Solids Flashcards

Vocabulary and conceptual flashcards covering the definition, calculations, units, and real-world examples of pressure in solids.

Pressure

A scientific measure of how much force is applied to a certain area.

Pressure Formula

$$\text{Pressure} = \frac{\text{Force}}{\text{Area}}$$

Pascal

A standard unit of measurement for pressure, alongside $\text{N/m}^2$ and $\text{N/cm}^2$.

$$\text{N/cm}^2$$

The unit of pressure calculated when the force is in Newtons ($N$) and the area is in square centimeters ($\text{cm}^2$).

$$\text{N/m}^2$$

The unit of pressure calculated when the force is in Newtons ($N$) and the area is in square meters ($m^2$).

Relationship between Pressure and Force

As force increases, pressure increases (provided the area remains the same).

Relationship between Pressure and Surface Area

As surface area increases, pressure decreases.

Sharp Knife (Scientific Explanation)

A tool that cuts better because its very small surface area generates high pressure when force is applied.

Camel's Feet Adaptation

Large feet that increase surface area to decrease the pressure exerted on the sand, preventing the animal from sinking.

Area Conversion Factor

There are $10,000\,\text{cm}^2$ in $1\,\text{m}^2$.

African Elephant Mass to Force

A mass of $5,000\,\text{kg}$ translates to a weight (force) of $50,000\,\text{N}$.

Elephant's Total Foot Area

The combined area of four feet when each foot is $0.1\,\text{m}^2$, totaling $0.4\,\text{m}^2$.

Elephant's Total Pressure

Calculated as $\frac{50,000\,\text{N}}{0.4\,\text{m}^2} = 125,000\,\text{N/m}^2$ (or $12.5\,\text{N/cm}^2$).

Stiletto Heels vs. Elephant Pressure

A person in stiletto heels exerts approximately 20 times more pressure on the floor than an elephant.

Stiletto Heel Area

Approximately $1\,\text{cm}^2$ per heel.

Human Pressure (Barefoot on 2 feet)

Calculated as approximately $\frac{500\,\text{N}}{280\,\text{cm}^2} = 1.78\,\text{N/cm}^2$.

Skier Pressure Calculation

A skier with a force of $75\,\text{N}$ and skis covering $30\,\text{cm}^2$ exerts a pressure of $2.5\,\text{N/cm}^2$.

Drawing Pin Pressure Calculation

A pin pushed with $50\,\text{N}$ of force into an area of $0.5\,\text{cm}^2$ creates a pressure of $100\,\text{N/cm}^2$.

Weight (Science Context)

A force that is often used in place of 'force' when calculating the pressure an object exerts due to gravity.

Area of Foot Calculation

A method used to find the surface area of a foot by tracing it on graph paper.