Cambridge IGCSE·Co-ordinated Sciences 0654·Physics
Pressure
Key knowledge — Pressure
Formulas & equations
Pressure = force ÷ area (P = F/A, units: Pa = N/m²)Pressure in a fluid: P = hρg (h = depth, ρ = density, g = gravitational field strength)Upthrust = weight of fluid displaced (Archimedes' principle)
Key facts & rules
- Pressure acts equally in all directions in a fluid.
- Pressure increases with depth in a fluid.
- Atmospheric pressure ≈ 101 000 Pa = 101 kPa.
- An object floats when upthrust = weight (when it has displaced its own weight of fluid).
- Hydraulic systems: pressure transmitted equally throughout a fluid (Pascal's principle); force multiplied by area ratio.
- Barometer: measures atmospheric pressure; mercury column height ≈ 760 mm at sea level.
IGCSE Physics — Pressure
284 Cambridge IGCSE 0654 physics past paper questions on pressure, organised by subtopic. Pick a subtopic to start practising.
About pressure on IGCSE 0654
Pressure in solids and fluids, the relationship between force, area and pressure, and pressure in liquids.