9702 · 4.3
Density and pressure flashcards
Revision flashcards for Cambridge 9702 Density and pressure (syllabus 4.3). Flip, recall, then mark a real past-paper question.
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How is density defined, and what is its formula?
Density ($\rho$) is the mass per unit volume of a material. $\rho = \frac{m}{V}$.
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What is the standard SI unit for pressure?
The standard SI unit for pressure is the Pascal (Pa), which is equivalent to one Newton per square meter (N m^{-2}).
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State the formula for hydrostatic pressure and identify its variables.
$$\Delta p = \rho g \Delta h$$ where $\Delta p$ is pressure difference, $\rho$ is fluid density, $g$ is acceleration of free fall, and $\Delta h$ is vertical height difference.
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Explain the cause of upthrust in a fluid.
Upthrust occurs because fluid pressure increases with depth, leading to a greater upward force on the lower surface of an object compared to the downward force on its upper surface.
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What does Archimedes' Principle state about buoyant force?
Archimedes' Principle states that the buoyant force (upthrust) on an object immersed in a fluid is equal to the weight of the fluid it displaces.
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What is the relationship between force, pressure, and area?
Pressure is the force acting perpendicularly per unit area: $P = \frac{F}{A}$.
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How does pressure change as you go deeper into a fluid?
Pressure increases proportionally with depth in a fluid.
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What is the total pressure experienced by a submerged object?
The total pressure (or absolute pressure) is the sum of the fluid's hydrostatic pressure (gauge pressure) and the atmospheric pressure above it: $p_{total} = p_{atm} + \rho g h$.
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What is the formula for calculating buoyant force?
The buoyant force is $F_B = \rho_{fluid} g V_{displaced}$, where $\rho_{fluid}$ is fluid density, $g$ is gravitational acceleration, and $V_{displaced}$ is the volume of fluid displaced.
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What does the 'g' represent in the hydrostatic pressure formula?
'g' represents the acceleration of free fall (gravitational acceleration), approximately \$9.81 \text{ m s}^{-2}$ on Earth.