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Separate Physics · Paper 2 · Foundation + Higher · P5

Fluid pressure, force and area

Key ideas1 of 3

Fluids exert forces on surfaces

A fluid is a liquid or a gas. Pressure in a fluid produces a force normal to a surface: at right angles to it. Fluid pushes sideways against a container wall as well as on its base. Pressure is the force per unit area; it is not the same quantity as the total force acting on a large surface.

A fluid in a container with outward force arrows at its two side walls and base.

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Practice, downloads and sources

Daily 5 · Exam practice · Revision sheet ↓

Foundation + Higher · P5. Use alongside the shared P5 lessons.

AQA GCSE Physics 8463 · 4.5.5.1.1. Original notes, questions and diagrams. Models are simplified; teaching data are illustrative.