Is pressure a scalar or a vector? Give reason.
(A) Pressure is a scalar quantity.
Reasoning:
$1$. At any point within a fluid at rest,the pressure exerted is equal in all directions. Since it does not have a unique direction associated with it,it cannot be a vector.
$2$. Mathematically,pressure is defined as $P = \frac{F_{\perp}}{A}$,where $F_{\perp}$ is the component of the force acting normal (perpendicular) to the surface area $A$.
$3$. Although force is a vector,the pressure formula uses only the magnitude of the normal component of the force. Since pressure does not follow the laws of vector addition,it is classified as a scalar physical quantity.
Reasoning:
$1$. At any point within a fluid at rest,the pressure exerted is equal in all directions. Since it does not have a unique direction associated with it,it cannot be a vector.
$2$. Mathematically,pressure is defined as $P = \frac{F_{\perp}}{A}$,where $F_{\perp}$ is the component of the force acting normal (perpendicular) to the surface area $A$.
$3$. Although force is a vector,the pressure formula uses only the magnitude of the normal component of the force. Since pressure does not follow the laws of vector addition,it is classified as a scalar physical quantity.
Explore More
Similar Questions
How much force is exerted on our body at atmospheric pressure? Explain.
Easy
View SolutionAn open-ended $U$-tube of uniform cross-sectional area contains water (density $10^3 \ kg \ m^{-3}$). Initially,the water level stands at $0.29 \ m$ from the bottom in each arm. Kerosene oil (a water-immiscible liquid) of density $800 \ kg \ m^{-3}$ is added to the left arm until its length is $0.1 \ m$,as shown in the schematic figure. The ratio $\left(\frac{h_1}{h_2}\right)$ of the heights of the liquid in the two arms is-
MediumIIT 2020
View SolutionThe figure shows a container filled with a liquid of density $\rho$. Four points $A, B, C$ and $D$ lie on the diametrically opposite points of a circle as shown. Points $A$ and $C$ lie on a vertical line,and points $B$ and $D$ lie on a horizontal line. Which of the following statements is incorrect? (Here,$p_A, p_B, p_C, p_D$ are the absolute pressures at the respective points.)
Difficult
View Solution$A$ vessel with a square cross-section and a height of $6 \ m$ is vertically partitioned. $A$ small window of $100 \ cm^2$ with a hinged door is fitted at a depth of $3 \ m$ in the partition wall. One part of the vessel is filled completely with water and the other side is filled with a liquid having a density of $1.5 \times 10^3 \ kg/m^3$. What force needs to be applied on the hinged door so that it does not open (in $N$)? (Acceleration due to gravity $= 10 \ m/s^2$)
DifficultJEE MAIN 2025
View Solution$A$ liquid $X$ of density $3.36 \ g/cm^3$ is poured into a $U$-tube, which contains $Hg$. Another liquid $Y$ is poured into the left arm with a height of $8 \ cm$. The upper levels of $X$ and $Y$ are at the same height. What is the density of $Y$ in $g/cc$?
Medium
View SolutionVedclass Products
For Students
Vedclass Test Series
Mock tests in real JEE/NEET style with performance analysis. 5-day free trial.
Start Free TrialFor Teachers
Exam Paper Generator
Generate Set A/B/C/D exam papers from 7.5L+ questions in 2 minutes. 3 chapters free.
Try FreeFor Institutes
Online Exam Module
Live online exams with unlimited students, 360° analytics & white-label branding.
See Demo