Why does a change in depth in water give a far greater difference in pressure than the same change in height in air?

Begin by explain that pressure is described by the amount of force exerted on a given area (N/m2). The force in this equation is given by the weight of everything directly above the point you are measuring. We may calculate this force as follows: Force = Height x Area x Density x g. Dividing both sides by Area gives us an equation that calculates pressure: (Remember Pressure = Force/Area). Pressure = Height x Density x g. Because water is much denser than air (almost 1000x), a much smaller difference in height is needed for the same change in pressure in water. Conclude by giving a tangible example: a bottle of water exerts a much greater pressure on your hand than a bottle of air.

MB

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What are the 3 main types of radiation?


A person swims from a depth of 0.50 m to a depth of 1.70 m below the surface of the sea. Density of the sea water = 1030 kg/m^3. Gravitational field strength = 9.8 N/kg. Calculate the increase in pressure on the swimmer. Give the unit.


Write the equations of motion for constant acceleration and describe each term involved. Explain how to apply these equations of motion to calculate the horizontal and vertical components of a projectile moving under the force of gravity only.


State Newton's 2nd Law, and use this explain the vertical motion of a parachutist in the descent from her plane to Earth.