Example 1
A 500 N force spread over 0.25 m² produces 2,000 Pa.
Mendeleev
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Physics tools › Pressure, force and area
Mendeleev · Physics
Pressure, force and area
For the same force, reducing the contact area increases pressure. This is why a sharp point can create a very large pressure with a modest force.
Formula usedP = F / A
Calculate
Pressure, force and area
What do the symbols mean?
ppressure
Fforce
Aarea
Two worked examples
Example 2
The same 500 N on 5 cm² produces 1.0 MPa, showing the strong effect of contact area.
Good to knowEnglish sources commonly use A for area, giving P = F/A.