Difference Between Force and Pressure

Force is a vector quantity, indicating both magnitude and direction, while pressure is a scalar quantity that considers magnitude only. Force represents the interaction between objects, causing motion or deformation, while pressure measures the force applied per unit area.

The main difference between force and pressure lies in their nature and application. In this article, we will learn the key difference between Force And Pressure in detail.

What is Force?

Force is a physical quantity that represents the interaction between objects, causing them to accelerate, decelerate, or change direction. It is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction. It is measured in newtons (N) using devices like force meters.

Force Formula

Force formula is given by Newton’s second law of motion, which states that the force acting on an object is equal to the mass of the object multiplied by its acceleration. Mathematically, it is represented as:

F = m × a

Where

• F is the force acting on the object (measured in newtons, N),
• m is the mass of the object (measured in kilograms, kg),
• a is the acceleration of the object (measured in meters per second squared, m/s²).

What is Pressure?

Pressure is a physical quantity that measures the force applied perpendicular to the surface of an object per unit area. It is a scalar quantity. It is measured in pascals (Pa) or pounds per square inch (psi). Pressure can cause deformation, compression, or expansion of materials.

Pressure Formula

Pressure formula relates the force applied perpendicular to the surface of an object to the area over which it is distributed. Mathematically, it is expressed as:

P = F/A

Where:

• P is the pressure exerted (measured in pascals, Pa),
• F is the force applied perpendicular to the surface (measured in newtons, N),
• A is the area over which the force is distributed (measured in square meters, m²).

Check, Types of Pressure

Difference Between Force And Pressure

The differences between force and pressure is illustrated in the table below:

Aspect	Force	Pressure
Definition	Force is a push or pull acting upon an object.	Pressure is the force applied perpendicular to the surface of an object per unit area.
Nature	Vector quantity, having both magnitude and direction.	Scalar quantity, only magnitude is considered.
Formula	F = ma, where F is force, m is mass, and a is acceleration.	P = F/A​, where P is pressure, F is force, and A is area.
Units	Measured in newtons (N).	Measured in pascals (Pa) or pounds per square inch (psi).
Direction	Can act in any direction.	Acts perpendicular to the surface.
Effect	Causes objects to move or change direction.	Applies force uniformly over an area, causing deformation or change in state.
Examples	Pushing a car, lifting a book, gravitational pull.	Air pressure, water pressure, tire pressure.
Measurement	Measured using a force meter or spring scale.	Measured using a pressure gauge or manometer.
Application	Used in various fields like physics, engineering, and sports.	Utilized in engineering, meteorology, and medical diagnostics.

FAQs on Difference Between Force And Pressure

What is the difference between force and pressure?

Force is a push or pull acting on an object, while pressure is the force applied perpendicular to the surface of an object per unit area.

How are force and pressure measured?

Force is typically measured in newtons (N), while pressure is measured in pascals (Pa) or pounds per square inch (psi).

Can force and pressure be interchangeable terms?

No, force and pressure are distinct concepts; force is a vector quantity with both magnitude and direction, while pressure is a scalar quantity only considering magnitude.

How do force and pressure affect objects differently?

Force causes objects to move or change direction, while pressure applies force uniformly over an area, causing deformation or changes in state.

What are some examples illustrating the difference between force and pressure?

Examples of force include pushing a car or lifting a book, while examples of pressure include air pressure, water pressure, or tire pressure.

What are the practical applications of force and pressure in daily life?

Force is used in various fields like physics, engineering, and sports, while pressure finds applications in engineering, meteorology, and medical diagnostics.