Hydrostatic pressure

Definition

Hydrostatic pressure is the pressure exerted by a fluid at equilibrium due to the force of gravity. It increases proportionally with depth in a fluid.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Hydrostatic pressure depends only on the density of the fluid, gravitational acceleration, and depth.
2. The formula for hydrostatic pressure is $P = \rho gh$, where $\rho$ is the fluid density, $g$ is gravitational acceleration, and $h$ is the height/depth.
3. In a column of liquid, hydrostatic pressure increases linearly with increasing depth.
4. Hydrostatic pressure acts equally in all directions at a given depth in a fluid.
5. It plays a critical role in understanding buoyancy and atmospheric pressure.

Review Questions

• What factors determine hydrostatic pressure?
• Write the formula for calculating hydrostatic pressure and define each term.
• How does hydrostatic pressure change as you go deeper into a fluid?

Related terms

Density:

Density ($\rho$) is the mass per unit volume of a substance, often measured in kg/m³.

Buoyancy: Buoyancy refers to the upward force exerted by a fluid that opposes the weight of an object immersed in it.

Atmospheric Pressure:

Atmospheric pressure is the force exerted onto a surface by the weight of air above that surface in Earth's atmosphere.