Definition
Pressure
Pressure compares a force with the area over which it acts.
What it means
Press with the same force using a broad block and a narrow tip. The narrow tip spreads the force over less area, so the pressure is greater.
Remember it
Same push, smaller patch, greater pressure.
Example
A force of 120 N acts evenly over 3 m². Pressure = 120 ÷ 3 = 40 N/m², which is 40 Pa.
Watch for
Pressure is not force alone; changing the contact area changes pressure even when the force stays the same.
Common mix-up
Do not multiply force by area. Pressure is force divided by area.
Exact meaning
For a force spread evenly over a surface, pressure equals force divided by area. Equal force on a smaller area gives greater pressure. The SI unit is the pascal (Pa), and 1 Pa equals 1 newton per square metre.