Pressure is defined as the force applied perpendicular to the surface of an object per unit area over which that force is distributed. The formula for pressure is P equals F divided by A, where P is pressure, F is force, and A is area.
Force is a push or pull that can cause an object to accelerate or deform. Force is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction. It is measured in Newtons and can change an object's motion or shape. Forces can be applied as pushes or pulls on objects.
The key differences between force and pressure are: Force is a vector quantity with both magnitude and direction, measured in Newtons. Pressure is a scalar quantity with only magnitude, measured in Pascals. Force can exist without contact area, but pressure requires contact area. The same force applied over different areas produces different pressures - smaller area gives higher pressure.
Real-world examples help us understand pressure differences. A sharp knife creates high pressure because the same force is concentrated over a very small area. High heels also create high pressure on floors. In contrast, snowshoes distribute weight over a large area, creating low pressure that prevents sinking into snow. Wide car tires spread the vehicle's weight, reducing pressure on the road surface.
To summarize: Force is a push or pull action that is a vector quantity with both magnitude and direction, measured in Newtons. Pressure is the concentration of force per unit area, a scalar quantity with only magnitude, measured in Pascals. The key formula is P equals F divided by A. Remember, the same force applied over different areas produces different pressures - this fundamental relationship helps us understand many everyday phenomena.