Normal pressure

Definition

Normal pressure is the component of force per unit area exerted perpendicular to the surface of an object. It is a crucial factor in understanding how forces are distributed across surfaces in static equilibrium.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Normal pressure is calculated using the formula $P = \frac{F}{A}$, where $P$ is the pressure, $F$ is the normal force, and $A$ is the area.
2. In static equilibrium, normal pressure helps determine whether an object will deform or remain stable under applied forces.
3. Normal pressure can change depending on orientation and distribution of forces across different surfaces.
4. It plays a key role in determining stress within materials, which can lead to strain and deformation if pressures exceed material limits.
5. Units for normal pressure are typically Pascals (Pa), equivalent to one Newton per square meter ($N/m^2$).

Review Questions

• What formula is used to calculate normal pressure?
• How does normal pressure affect static equilibrium?
• Why is it important to understand normal pressure when analyzing stress in materials?

Related terms

Stress: The internal resistance offered by a material when subjected to external forces, measured as force per unit area.

Strain: The deformation produced in a material due to applied stress, expressed as a ratio of change in dimension to original dimension.

Elastic Modulus: \text{A measure of the stiffness of a material, defined as the ratio of stress to strain within the elastic limit.}