Physics Fundamentals: Pressure, Buoyancy, and Pascal's Principle

Practice flashcards covering definitions, formulas, and conditions for pressure, buoyancy (sink/float justification), and Pascal's Principle.

g

The acceleration due to gravity, defined as $9.8\,m/s^2$.

P (Standard Density)

The value used for density when no pressure is given, which is $1000\,kg/m^3$.

v (Volume)

The amount of space an object occupies; if given in liters, it must always be converted to $m^3$ for sink and float justifications.

m (Mass)

The amount of matter in an object, usually measured in $kg$.

W (Weight)

The force of gravity on an object, calculated as $W = mg$, expressed in Newtons ($N$).

Floating Condition (W vs Fb)

The state where weight equals buoyant force, expressed as $W = Fb$.

Vd (for Float)

The displaced volume, calculated using the formula $\frac{Fb}{pg}$, expressed in $m^3$ or $L$.

fb (for Sink)

The buoyant force acting on a sinking object, calculated as $fb = pvg$, expressed in Newtons ($N$).

aw (Apparent Weight)

The weight of an object in a fluid, calculated as $aw = w - fb$, expressed in Newtons ($N$).

Density Formula (Step 1 Justification)

The formula used to justify sinking or floating based on density: $P = \frac{m}{v}$, expressed in $kg/m^3$.

Sink Condition (Density)

A condition occurring when the density of an object is $> 1000\,kg/m^3$.

Float Condition (Density)

A condition occurring when the density of an object is $< 1000\,kg/m^3$.

Sink Condition (Buoyant Force)

A condition occurring when weight is greater than buoyant force ($W > Fb$).

Float Condition (Buoyant Force)

A condition occurring when weight is less than buoyant force ($W < Fb$).

Pascal's Principle (Pressure Formula)

The formula for pressure defined as $P = \frac{f}{a}$, expressed in Pascals ($Pa$).

Pascal's Principle (Piston Proportion)

The relationship between forces and areas in a hydraulic system: $\frac{F_1}{A_1} = \frac{F_2}{A_2}$.

F1 & A1

The force and area associated with the small piston.

F2 & A2

The force and area associated with the large piston.