大象传媒

Key points

  • A force can be a push or a pull. When a force is exerted on an object it can change the object's speed, direction of movement or shape.

  • Pressure is a measure of how much force is acting upon an area.

  • Pressure can be calculated using the equation pressure = force 梅 area. Therefore, a force acting over a smaller area will create more pressure.

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Watch the video to learn the difference between force and pressure.

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Try this experiment

Image gallerySkip image gallerySlide 1 of 7, Step-by-step guide showing weighing scales, calculator, ruler, pen, trainer, stiletto shoe and a piece of paper., Click to see a step-by-step slideshow.
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How do we measure pressure?

Mass is a measure of how much matter there is. Gravitational force is the pull of the Earth's gravity on that mass. Each kg of mass is pulled down by the Earth with a force of 10 N.

Everything has a mass (kg). To convert this to force (N) on Earth, we multiply the mass by 10.

We can then calculate pressure using: pressure = force 梅 area.

If you stand on one foot (rather than both feet), the pressure exerted would be twice as great because it is spread over a smaller area. Similarly, a stiletto heel creates far more pressure than a normal shoe.

Did you know?

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Test your knowledge

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Play the Atomic Labs game! game

Try out practical experiments in this KS3 science game.

Play the Atomic Labs game!
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