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Question

Calculate the pressure (in Pa) if a thrust of 1000 N is applied to an area of 5 m 2.

The correct answer is

200  

Understanding the relationship between force, area, and pressure is fundamental in physics. This problem requires us to calculate the pressure exerted when a specific thrust is applied over a given area. Pressure is defined as the force applied perpendicular to the surface of an object per unit area over which that force is distributed. In simpler terms, it's how concentrated a force is.

Calculating Pressure from Thrust and Area

The question asks for the pressure (in Pascals) resulting from a thrust of 1000 N applied to an area of 5 m2. Thrust is essentially a force acting perpendicular to a surface. The standard formula for pressure is:

\[ \text{Pressure} = \frac{\text{Force}}{\text{Area}} \]

When the force is perpendicular to the area, it is often referred to as thrust. So, we can write the formula as:

\[ \text{Pressure} = \frac{\text{Thrust}}{\text{Area}} \]

Applying the Formula to Calculate Pressure

We are given the following values:

  • Thrust ($F$) = 1000 N
  • Area ($A$) = 5 m2

We need to calculate the Pressure ($P$). Using the formula:

\[ P = \frac{F}{A} \]

Substitute the given values into the formula:

\[ P = \frac{1000 \text{ N}}{5 \text{ m}^2} \]

Perform the division:

\[ P = 200 \frac{\text{N}}{\text{m}^2} \]

The unit N/m2 is defined as the Pascal (Pa). Therefore, the pressure is 200 Pa.

Step-by-Step Pressure Calculation

  1. Identify the given values: Thrust = 1000 N, Area = 5 m2.
  2. Recall the formula for pressure: Pressure = Thrust / Area.
  3. Substitute the values into the formula: Pressure = 1000 N / 5 m2.
  4. Calculate the result: Pressure = 200 N/m2.
  5. State the answer in the required unit (Pa): Pressure = 200 Pa.

Understanding Units: Pascals (Pa)

The unit of pressure in the International System of Units (SI) is the Pascal (Pa). One Pascal is defined as one Newton per square meter (1 Pa = 1 N/m2). This unit is named after the French physicist and mathematician Blaise Pascal.

Revision Table: Key Concepts

Concept Definition SI Unit Formula Relation
Pressure Force applied perpendicular to a surface per unit area. Pascal (Pa) $P = F/A$
Thrust Force acting perpendicular to a surface. Newton (N) Used as 'F' in $P=F/A$ when perpendicular
Area The extent of a surface. Square Meter (m2) 'A' in $P=F/A$

Additional Information on Pressure

Pressure is a scalar quantity, meaning it only has magnitude and no direction. However, the force causing the pressure (like thrust) is a vector quantity. Pressure acts equally in all directions within a fluid at rest at a certain depth (Pascal's Principle). Pressure can be exerted by solids, liquids, and gases. Examples include atmospheric pressure, blood pressure, and the pressure exerted by the tires of a car on the road.

  • Atmospheric pressure is the pressure exerted by the weight of the air above a point. At sea level, it's approximately 101,325 Pa or 1 atmosphere (atm).
  • Gauge pressure is the pressure relative to atmospheric pressure, while absolute pressure is the sum of gauge pressure and atmospheric pressure.

High pressure implies a large force over a small area or a very large force over a large area. Low pressure implies a small force over a large area or a very small force over a small area.

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Important Questions from Pressure

  1. The pressure inside the cabin of the aircraft flying at an altitude is

    A. The same as that outside.

    B. Less than that outside.

    C. More than that outside.

    D. Normal atmospheric pressure at sea level.
  2. What is the effect of pressure of a human body on sand ?

  3. How many Pascals are equivalent to $0.25$ bar?
  4. A camel can walk/run in deserts very easily as compared to horse, donkey etc, because is-

  5. The spring constant of a spring depends on its ___________.

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