AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based Flashcards: Pressure
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 11 cards to help you master important concepts.
How is the pressure exerted on a surface by a given force described?
It is described as the magnitude of the perpendicular force component exerted per unit area over that surface.
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How is the pressure exerted on a surface by a given force described?
It is described as the magnitude of the perpendicular force component exerted per unit area over that surface.
What causes the pressure exerted by a fluid?
The pressure exerted by a fluid is the result of the entirety of the interactions between the fluid’s constituent particles and the surface with which those particles interact.
What is a common example of a reference pressure ($P_0$) used when determining absolute pressure?
A common reference pressure is the atmospheric pressure, $P_{atm}$.
Define Pressure.
Pressure is the magnitude of the perpendicular force component exerted per unit area over a given surface area.
What is Gauge Pressure?
Gauge pressure is the pressure within a fluid measured relative to a reference pressure, such as the surrounding atmospheric pressure.
Which component of an exerted force is used to determine pressure?
The perpendicular component of the force exerted per unit area is used to determine pressure.
In the gauge pressure equation $P_{gauge} = \rho gh$, what does each variable represent?
$P_{gauge}$ is the gauge pressure, $\rho$ (rho) is the fluid density, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is the height or depth of the fluid column.
What is Absolute Pressure?
The absolute pressure of a fluid at a given point is equal to the sum of a reference pressure, such as atmospheric pressure, and the gauge pressure.
How is the pressure exerted by a fluid described?
It is described as the result of all interactions between the fluid's constituent particles and the surface they are in contact with.
What is the equation for the gauge pressure of a vertical column of fluid?
The gauge pressure of a vertical column of fluid is described by the equation $P_{gauge} = \rho gh$.
What is the relationship between absolute pressure, gauge pressure, and a reference pressure ($P_0$)?
Absolute pressure is the sum of the reference pressure and the gauge pressure ($P_{absolute} = P_0 + P_{gauge}$).