Pressure
Properties of Matter

Pressure is not just a kind of force

Teaching Guidance for 11-14 Supporting Physics Teaching

Pressure vs. force

Wrong Track: The pressure of the water pushes directly on my ear drums.

Right Lines: The pressure of the water gives rise to a force which acts over the exposed area of my ear drums.

Pressure and forces are distinct

Thinking about the learning

Pressure and force are two distinct kinds of things. The words tend to be used interchangeably in everyday contexts but in science they have quite specific and different meanings.

Thinking about the teaching

Aim to develop the picture of pressure as existing throughout a fluid and giving rise to forces in all directions due to the bombardment of the fluid molecules. Forces act on objects in particular directions; a pressure simply exists throughout a fluid.

Limit Less Campaign

Support our manifesto for change

The IOP wants to support young people to fulfil their potential by doing physics. Please sign the manifesto today so that we can show our politicians there is widespread support for improving equity and inclusion across the education sector.

Sign today