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.

IOP AWARDS 2025

Teachers of Physics Awards

The Teachers of Physics Award celebrates the success of secondary school physics teachers who have raised the profile of physics and science in schools. Nominations for 2025 are now open.

Start your nomination now