SIMPLIFIED CAMBRIDGE IGCSE PHYSICS 0625 NOTES 2023 - EDITION 1

(Cambridge Assessment International Education)

TOPIC 1, PART 8: PRESSURE
Key areas of understanding and specific learning objectives
Core: By the end of this topic area, you should be able to;
 Define pressure as the force acting normally per unit area.
𝐹
 Recall and use the equation 𝑃 = 𝐴 (Tr. Joshua S)
 Describe how pressure varies with force and area in the context of everyday examples.
 Describe, qualitatively, how the pressure beneath the surface of a liquid changes with
depth and density of the liquid.
Supplement: By the end of this topic area, you should be able to;
 Recall and use the equation for the change in pressure beneath the surface of a liquid
∆p = ρg∆h.

PRESSURE
 If you dive into a swimming pool, you will experience the pressure of water on you. This
pressure provides the upthrust (net upward force in a fluid) which pushes you back to the
surface.
 Upthrust originates from pressure in fluids (liquids and gases). The deeper you go, the
greater the pressure acting on you. [A fluid is anything that can flow]
 Pressure itself is a force and it acts per unit area (area of 1m2) at right angles to a surface.
Question: Define pressure?
 Pressure is defined as the force acting normally (at right angles / 90o) per unit area to a
surface.
 Mathematically pressure is given by the equation;
Force
Pressure =
Area
𝑭
𝑷=
𝑨
Where, F is the Force in Newtons (N) and A is the area in square metres (m2)

Expert tip: Students normally confuse ‘Pressure’ with ‘Stress’ when defining them. Kindly
note that the two are defined differently. The point is when defining pressure you add the
word (acting normally or at right angles or 90o) per unit area to the surface.
𝐹
 Stress is defined as the force per unit area (Stress (𝜎) = 𝐴)
 Pressure is the force acting normally (90o or at right angles) per unit area to the
𝐹
surface (𝑃 = 𝐴)

SIMPLIFIED CAMBRIDGE IGCSE PHYSICS 0625 NOTES 2023 - EDITION BY SAKAJJA JOSHUA SOKUTON
(DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS NU – VISION HIGH SCHOOL)
 SIMPLIFIED CAMBRIDGE IGCSE PHYSICS 0625 NOTES 2023 - EDITION 2
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SI UNIT OF PRESSURE
 The SI unit for pressure is a Pascal (Pa).
Question: What is a Pascal?
 A pascal is the SI unit for pressure, equivalent to one newton per square metre (1Pa =
1N/m2)
Other units are
1. Newton per square metre (N/m2) derived from the formula of pressure.
2. Atmospheres (atm).
3. Millimetres of mercury (mmHg)
 1 atm = 101325 Pa or 1 atm = 101325N/m2
 1 atm = 760 mmHg when measured at a temperature of 00C at sea level.

VARIATION OF PRESSURE WITH FORCE AND AREA

𝐹
 From the equation 𝑃 = , it therefore follows that;
𝐴
1. When Area (A) is kept constant, Pressure is directly proportional to the force.
𝑃∝𝐹 (when 𝐴 − constant)
 This means that a large force pressing on a small area gives a high pressure and a smaller
force on an object, results in a less pressure on it as well.
2. When Force (F) is kept constant, pressure is inversely proportional to the area.
1
𝑃∝ (when 𝐹 is kept constant)
𝐴
 Pressure is small when the area of contact is large and pressure is large when the area of
contact is small.

The above explains as to why?

1. Iron nails are made with sharp ends and why it is easy to drive its sharp end into wood
than the blunt side.
2. The large wheels of a tractor can move in a muddy road or an elephant can walk freely
on a muddy area than an antelope.
3. The sharp part of the knife can cut more easily than the blunt part.
4. Walnuts can be broken in the hand by squeezing two together but not one.

SIMPLIFIED CAMBRIDGE IGCSE PHYSICS 0625 NOTES 2023 - EDITION BY SAKAJJA JOSHUA SOKUTON
(DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS NU – VISION HIGH SCHOOL)
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CALCULATING PRESSURE
To calculate the pressure, one has to know the value of force and the area.
Remember these three formulas
1. Formula for calculating Pressure when 𝑭 and 𝑨 is given.
𝑭
𝑷=
𝑨
2. Formula for calculating Force when 𝑷 and 𝑨 is given.

𝑭=𝑷 𝐱𝑨
3. Formula for calculating Area when 𝑷 and 𝑭 is given.
𝑭
𝑨=
𝑷

WORKED EXAMPLES
1. Calculate the pressure exerted on a surface when a force of 50 N acts on an area of?
a) 2.0 m2
b) 100 m2
𝐹
c) 0.50 m2? Hint: Use the formula (𝑃 = )
𝐴

Answer
a) Pressure when A = 2.0m2
{Given; 𝐹 = 50N, 𝐴 = 2.0m2 , 𝑃 =? N/m2 (Pa)}
𝐹
 From (𝑃 = ) substituting for values of 𝐹 and 𝐴, we have,
𝐴
𝐹 50N
𝑃= → 𝑃=( ) = 25N/m2
𝐴 2.0m2

𝑃 = 25N/m2 or 𝑃 = 25Pa

b) Pressure when A = 100m2

{Given; 𝐹 = 50N, 𝐴 = 100m2 , 𝑃 =? N/m2 (Pa)}
𝐹
 From (𝑃 = ) substituting for values of 𝐹 and 𝐴, we have,
𝐴
𝐹 50N
𝑃= → 𝑃=( ) = 0.5N/m2
𝐴 100m2

𝑃 = 0.5N/m2 or 𝑃 = 0.5Pa
SIMPLIFIED CAMBRIDGE IGCSE PHYSICS 0625 NOTES 2023 - EDITION BY SAKAJJA JOSHUA SOKUTON
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c) Pressure when A = 0.50m2
{Given; 𝐹 = 50N, 𝐴 = 0.5m2 , 𝑃 =? N/m2 (Pa)}
𝐹
 From (𝑃 = ) substituting for values of 𝐹 and 𝐴, we have,
𝐴
𝐹 50N
𝑃= → 𝑃=( 2
) = 25N/m2
𝐴 0.5m

𝑃 = 100N/m2 or 𝑃 = 100Pa

2. A pressure of 10 Pa acts on an area of 3.0 m2. What is the force acting on the area?
Answer
{Given; 𝐴 = 3.0m2 , 𝑃 = 10Pa (N/m2 ), 𝐹 =? N}

 From (𝐹 = 𝑃 x 𝐴) substituting for values of 𝑃 and 𝐴, we have,

𝐹 =𝑃x𝐴 → 𝐹 = (10N/m2 x 3.0m2 ) = 30N

𝐹 = 30N
3. Calculate the pressure exerted by a dancer weighing 600N standing on a single heel of
area 1cm2.
(a) Calculate the pressure exerted by the dancer on the floor
(b) The surface of the dance floor is broken by pressures over 5 million Pascal’s (5.0MPa). Will
it be damaged by the dancer?

Answer

Important tip: The area is given in cm2. Ensure to convert the area to its standard units (m2).

(a) Pressure exerted by the dancer on the floor.

{Given; 𝐹 = 6000N, 𝐴 = 1. 0cm2 = 0. 0001m2 ( 1 x 10−4 m2 ), 𝑃 =? N/m2 (Pa)}
𝐹
 From (𝑃 = ) substituting for values of 𝐹 and 𝐴, we have,
𝐴
𝐹 600N
𝑃= → 𝑃=( ) = 6 000 000 N/m2
𝐴 0.0001m2

𝑃 = 6 000 000N/m2 or 𝑃 = 6 000 000Pa

(b) The pressure is 6.0 x 106 Pa (6.0MPa). This is greater than the minimum pressure needed to
break the surface of the floor, so it will be damaged.

SIMPLIFIED CAMBRIDGE IGCSE PHYSICS 0625 NOTES 2023 - EDITION BY SAKAJJA JOSHUA SOKUTON
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 SIMPLIFIED CAMBRIDGE IGCSE PHYSICS 0625 NOTES 2023 - EDITION 5
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4. A force of 10kN acts on the surface of a liquid, of area 0.08m 2. What is the pressure on the
surface of the liquid?

Answer

{Given; 𝐹 = 10kN = 10 000N , 𝐴 = 0.08m2 , 𝑃 =? N/m2 (Pa)}

𝐹
 From (𝑃 = ) substituting for values of 𝐹 and 𝐴, we have,
𝐴
𝐹 10 000N
𝑃= → 𝑃=( ) = 125 000 N/m2
𝐴 0.08m2

𝑃 = 125 000 N/m2 or 𝑃 = 125kPa

5. A man of weight 600N exerts a pressure of 200kPa on the ground. What is the area of their
feet?

Answer

{Given; 𝐹 = 600N , 𝐴 =? m2 , 𝑃 = 200kPa = 200 000Pa (N/m2 ) }

𝐹
 From (𝐴 = ) substituting for values of 𝐹 and 𝑃, we have,
𝐴
𝐹 600N
𝐴= → 𝐴=( ) = 0.003 m2
𝑃 200 000 N/m2

𝐴 = 0.003 m2
6. The area of a dogs paw is 10cm2. The pressure under the paw is 50kPa when it exerts half
of its body weight on the paw. Calculate its weight.

Answer
{Given; 𝐴 = 10cm2 = 0.001 m2 , 𝑃 = 50kPa = 50 000 Pa (N/m2 ) , 𝐹 =? N}

 From (𝐹 = 𝑃 x 𝐴) substituting for values of 𝑃 and 𝐴, we have,

𝐹 =𝑃x𝐴 → 𝐹 = (50 000 N/m2 x 0.001 m2 ) = 50N
Total weight = (50N x 2) = 100N

𝑊 = 100N
Note that:

 1kPa = 1000Pa so the 50kPa when converted to Pa becomes 50 000Pa.

 Area in cm2 is converted to area in m2 by dividing by (100 x 100) i.e. by 10 000.

SIMPLIFIED CAMBRIDGE IGCSE PHYSICS 0625 NOTES 2023 - EDITION BY SAKAJJA JOSHUA SOKUTON
(DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS NU – VISION HIGH SCHOOL)
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(Cambridge Assessment International Education)
SAMPLE PAST PAPER QUESTION

1. Fig. 1.1 shows a balloon filled with helium that is used to lift measuring instruments to a
great height above the Earth’s surface.
(Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625/4 Qn 4 SP from examinations from 2023)

Fig. 1.1

(a) Using ideas about momentum, explain how the atoms of helium produce a force on the wall
of the balloon. Answer [3]

 Helium atoms collide with the wall of the balloon.

 They rebound atoms so they undergo change of momentum
 The force on wall = (total) rate of change of momentum of atoms thus the walls of the
experiences a force.

(b) At ground level, the pressure of the helium in the balloon is 1.0 × 10 5Pa. The volume of the
helium is 9.6 m3.

The balloon is released and it rises quickly through the atmosphere. The volume of the helium
increases. The temperature of the helium remains constant.

(i) Explain why the pressure in the balloon decreases as the balloon rises. You should refer to
helium atoms in your answer. [2]

Answer

 The density of the gas is less (there are fewer atoms per unit volume) so the rate of
collision (with walls of the balloon) decreases or there are fewer collisions per unit area
which gives rise to a less force on the walls of the balloon and hence a less pressure.

SIMPLIFIED CAMBRIDGE IGCSE PHYSICS 0625 NOTES 2023 - EDITION BY SAKAJJA JOSHUA SOKUTON
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 SIMPLIFIED CAMBRIDGE IGCSE PHYSICS 0625 NOTES 2023 - EDITION 7
(Cambridge Assessment International Education)
(ii) Calculate the pressure of the helium when its volume is 12 m3. [2]

Answer

{Given: 𝑃1 = 1.0 x 105 Pa, 𝑉1 = 9.6m3 , 𝑉2 = 12m3 , 𝑃2 =? Pa }

 From Boyle’s law

𝑃𝑉 = constant

𝑃1 𝑉1 = 𝑃𝑉2

𝑃1 𝑉1
𝑃2 =
𝑉2

1.0 x 105 Pa x 9.6m3

𝑃2 =
12m3

P2 = 8.0 x 104 Pa
[Total: 7]

CALCULATING MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM PRESSURE

From the formula of pressure we saw that pressure in inversely proportional to the area hence

 Minimum pressure - is defined as the pressure exerted on the large surface area
 Maximum pressure - is the pressure on the small surface area.
Worked Example

1. A rectangular block of dimensions 4m x 3m x 2m is placed on a ground with two of its either

sides touching the ground as shown in the diagrams below. If the weight of the block is
24N,

SIMPLIFIED CAMBRIDGE IGCSE PHYSICS 0625 NOTES 2023 - EDITION BY SAKAJJA JOSHUA SOKUTON
(DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS NU – VISION HIGH SCHOOL)
 SIMPLIFIED CAMBRIDGE IGCSE PHYSICS 0625 NOTES 2023 - EDITION 8
(Cambridge Assessment International Education)
Calculate the;
a) Minimum pressure (Pmin )
b) Maximum pressure (Pmax )
Hint:

 The weight (𝟐𝟒𝐍) is taken to be the Force hence 𝐹 = 𝟐𝟒𝐍

 You also have to calculate the large area and the small area.
Solution.
{𝐹 = 24𝑀, 𝑙 = 4m, 𝑤 = 3m, ℎ = 2m, 𝑃min =? Pa, 𝑃max =? Pa}
Force 𝐹
Minimum pressure ( 𝑃min ) = =
Large Area 𝐴𝐿
Force 𝐹
Maximum pressure (Pmax ) = =
Small Area 𝐴𝑆
 Larger Area (𝐴𝐿 ) = Length x Width (𝑙 x 𝑤) = (4m x 3m) = 12m 2

 Small area (𝐴𝑆 ) = Width x height (𝑤 x ℎ) = (3mx 2m) = 12m2

a) Minimum pressure ( 𝑃min )
F 24N
𝑃min = → 𝑃min = ( ) = 2N/m2
AL 12m2

𝑃min = 2Pa
b) Maximum pressure ( 𝑃max )
F 24N
𝑃max = → 𝑃max = ( ) = 4N/m2
AS 6m2

𝑃max = 4Pa
LIQUID PRESSURE (PRESSURE IN LIQUIDS)
 The deeper one dives into water, the greater the pressure. Pressure is proportional to the
depth h (height) of the liquid. Twice the depth means twice the pressure.
 Pressure also depends on the density 𝜌 of the material (𝜌 is the Greek letter rho)- If you
dive into mercury , which is ten times as dense as water, the pressure will be more than 10
times as great.
 A liquid in a container exerts pressure at the bottom of that container and the pressure
exerted has the following properties:
CHARACTERISTICS OF LIQUID PRESSURE
1. Pressure in liquids increases with depth below its surface.
2. Pressure in liquids increases with density of the liquid. (Greater density, greater pressure).
3. Pressure at the same point (depth), is the same and acts equally in all directions.
4. Pressure in liquids is independent of the base area.

SIMPLIFIED CAMBRIDGE IGCSE PHYSICS 0625 NOTES 2023 - EDITION BY SAKAJJA JOSHUA SOKUTON
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PRESSURE IN A LIQUID INCREASES WITH DEPTH
Question: Explain why pressure in liquids increases as one dives down the liquid.
 This is because the further down (the deeper) you go inside the liquid, the weight of liquid
above becomes greater and exerts a much higher force. Since pressure is directly
proportional to the force, as force increases, definitely pressure also increases hence
pressure increases with depth. Twice the depth means twice the pressure.
Experiment show that pressure in liquids depends on depth (increases with depth)
 Materials / requirements:
1. A tall can (tin) or cylinder,
2. a small nail and running water a tap
 Experimental setup

 Procedure:
1. Make three holes A, B and C of the same diameter along a vertical line on one side of
the can using a small nail.
2. Close the holes and fill the can with water from the tap to a level above hole A as
shown in the diagram above.
3. Open the holes simultaneously at once and observe the jets of water from the holes.
 Observation
1. Water jets out through the holes at different speeds.
2. The lower hole, C throws water farthest and fastest followed by B and lastly hole- A.
3. Water leaves the holes at right angles to the wall of the can. This shows that the
pressure is perpendicular (900) to the wall of the can.
 Conclusion: Pressure due to water at hole-C is the greatest and at hole-A is the least.
Therefore, pressure in liquids depends on depth. (Increases with depth)
PRESSURE DEPENDS ON THE DENSITY OF THE LIQUID.
 The denser the liquid, the greater the pressure at any given depth.

SIMPLIFIED CAMBRIDGE IGCSE PHYSICS 0625 NOTES 2023 - EDITION BY SAKAJJA JOSHUA SOKUTON
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 For a given liquid, the density is uniform (the same everywhere) and it doesn’t vary with
shape or size. The density of a gas can vary though
 The more dense a given liquid is, the more particles it has in a certain space. This means
there are more particle collisions, so the pressure is higher.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PRESSURE, DEPTH AND DENSITY
Deriving the expression for liquid pressure (Hydrostatic pressure)
 Consider a liquid of mass m kg having a density of ρ kg/m3 filled in a container of base
area A to a depth, h (metres) as shown in the diagram below. The liquid will exert a
pressure, P, on the bottom of the container as a result of its weight as shown in the
diagram below.

 The volume of the liquid = Volume of the container

Volume = Base area x height = 𝐴. ℎ
 Mass of the liquid = volume x density
Mass of the liquid = (𝐴. ℎ) x 𝜌
 Weight of the liquid = mass x acceleration of free fall under gravity
Weight of the liquid = 𝑚g 𝑏𝑢𝑡 𝑚 = (𝐴. ℎ) x 𝜌
→ Weight of the liquid = (𝐴. ℎ) x 𝜌 xg
Weight of the liquid = (𝐴ℎ𝜌g)
 Note that weight is a force hence (W = F).
𝐹 = 𝐴ℎ𝜌g
 From the definition of pressure (Force acting per unit area at right angles to the surface)
𝐹 𝐴ℎ𝜌g
𝑃= = = ℎ𝜌g
𝐴 𝐴
𝑃 = ℎ𝜌g or ∆𝑃 = 𝜌g∆ℎ
ℎ − is the depth (height)of the liquid in m and ρ is the density of the liquid in kg/m3
g − acceleration of free fall under gravity (g = 10m/s2 )

Expert tip: You can find a change in pressure between two points,∆𝑃 by using the
difference in height between the two points, ∆ℎ , instead of ℎ.

SIMPLIFIED CAMBRIDGE IGCSE PHYSICS 0625 NOTES 2023 - EDITION BY SAKAJJA JOSHUA SOKUTON
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WORKED EXAMPLES
1. Calculate the pressure due to water at a point 25 m below the surface of a pool of water.
The density of water is 1000 kg/m3.
Answer
{Given; ℎ = 25m, 𝜌 = 1000kg/m3 , g = 10m/s2 , 𝑃 =? 𝑃𝑎}
𝑃 = ℎ𝜌g
𝑃 = 25m x 1000kg/m3 x 10m/s2

𝑃 = 250 000Pa or 𝑃 = 250kPa

2. The density of water is 1000kg/m3. Calculate the pressure due to the water on a diver when
he is 50m under the surface.
Answer
{Given; ℎ = 50m, 𝜌 = 1000kg/m3 , g = 10m/s2 , 𝑃 =? 𝑃𝑎}
𝑃 = ℎ𝜌g
𝑃 = 50m x 1000kg/m3 x 10m/s2

𝑃 = 500 000Pa or 𝑃 = 5000kPa

3. The figure below shows a tank that is filled with oil. The density of the oil 920kg/m3.

a. Calculate the volume of the tank

b. Calculate the weight of the oil in the tank
c. Calculate the pressure on the bottom of the tank caused by the weight of the oil.
d. Now calculate pressure using ∆𝑃 = 𝜌g∆ℎ .
Answer
a. Volume of the tank.
{Given: 𝑙 = 2.0m, 𝑤 = 1.5m , ℎ = 1.0m, 𝑉 = ? m3 }
𝑉 =𝑙x𝑤xℎ
𝑉 = 2.0m x 1.5m x 1.0m

𝑉 = 3.0m3
b. Weight of the oil in the tank

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{Given: 𝑉 = 3.0m3 , 𝜌 = 920kg/m3 𝑚 =? kg, g = 10m/s2 and 𝑊 =? N}
Hint: First calculate the mass of the oil in tank and then use it to find the weight.
𝑚
𝜌= → 𝑚= 𝜌x𝑉
𝑉
Mass = density x volume
𝑚 = 920kg/m3 x 3.0m3
𝑚 = 2760kg
𝑊 = 𝑚𝑔 = 2760kg x 10m/s 2

𝑊 = 27600N 𝑜𝑟 𝑊 = 2.76 x 104 N

c. pressure on the bottom of the tank caused by the weight of the oil
Hint: Note that weight is a force. 𝑊 = 𝐹 = 27600N
Answer
{𝐹 = 27600N , A = (l x w) = 2.0m x 1.5m) = 3m2 , 𝑃 =? N}
Force
Pressure =
Area
𝐹 27600N
𝑃= =
𝐴 3m2
𝑃 = 9200Pa or 𝑃 = 9.2 x 103 Pa
d. Calculate pressure using ∆𝑃 = 𝜌g∆ℎ
{Given; ℎ = 1m, 𝜌 = 1000kg/m3 , g = 10m/s 2 , 𝑃 =? Pa}
∆𝑃 = 920kg/m3 x 10m/s 2 x 1m

𝑃 = 9200Pa or 𝑃 = 9.2 x 103 Pa

PROGRESS CHECK
1. Atmospheric pressure is 100 000Pa. The roof of a building has an area of 50m3.
a. What force does the atmospheric pressure exert on the roof?
b. Explain why the roof does not collapse
c. What would happen to the roof if it were possible to remove all the air from inside the
building? Explain your answer.
2. a What causes the pressure of air at the Earth’s surface?
b. State the equation linking the pressure difference, height, density and g.
c. At the Earth’s surface, atmospheric pressure is 105Pa and the density of the air is
1.3kg/m3. Use this information to calculate the height (or depth) of the atmosphere.
d. Suggest one reason why you may have underestimated the height of the atmosphere.

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PAST PAPER QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A cube of side 0.040m is floating in a container of liquid. Fig. 1.1 shows that the surface of
the liquid is 0.028m above the level of the bottom face of the cube
(Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625/41 Qn.3 May/June 2019)

Fig.1.1
The pressure of the air above the cube exerts a force on the top face of the cube. The valve is
closed.
(a) Explain, in terms of air molecules, how the force due to the pressure of the air is produced.
Answer [3]
 The air molecules move collide with the cube or the walls of the container.
 Upon collision, there is a change in the momentum (mv) of the molecules (an impulse is
exerted)
 Force is the rate of change of momentum or is equal to this impulse.
(b) The density of the liquid in the container is 1500kg/m 3.

Calculate:
(i) the pressure due to the liquid at a depth of 0.028m [2]
Answer
{Given; ℎ = 0.028m, 𝜌 = 1500kg/m3 , g = 10m/s 2 , 𝑃 =? 𝑃𝑎}
𝑃 = ℎ𝜌g
𝑃 = 0.028m x 1500kg/m3 x 10m/s2

𝑃 = 420Pa or 𝑃 = 420N/m2
(ii) the force on the bottom face of the cube caused by the pressure due to the liquid. [2]

SIMPLIFIED CAMBRIDGE IGCSE PHYSICS 0625 NOTES 2023 - EDITION BY SAKAJJA JOSHUA SOKUTON
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Answer
{Given p = 420Pa, A =? m2 𝐹 =? 𝑁}
Hint: First find the area of the cube and use it with the force to calculate the pressure.
𝐴 = 𝑠x𝑠
𝐴 = (0.04 x 0.040)m2
𝐴 = 0.0016m2 or 𝐴 = 1.6 x 10−3 m2
 From the definition of pressure,
𝐹
𝑃= → 𝐹 = 𝑃x𝐴
𝐴
𝐹 = 420N/m2 x 0.0016m2
𝐹 = 0.67N = 0.7N

𝐹 = 0.7N
(c) The valve is opened and liquid is pumped into the container. The surface of the liquid rises
a distance of 0.034m.
The cube remains floating in the liquid with its bottom face 0.028m below the surface of the
liquid.
(i) Calculate the work done on the cube by the force in (b)(ii). [2]
Answer
{Given: 𝐹 = 0.67N , 𝑑 = 0.034m, 𝑊 =? J}
Work done = Force x distance
𝑊 = 𝐹 x 𝑑 = 0.67 x 0.034

𝑊 = 0.023J
(ii) Suggest one reason why this is not an efficient method of lifting up the cube [1]
Answer
 Work is done in lifting the liquid as well and energy is wasted this way reducing efficiency
 There is friction between liquid and container / pipe [Total: 10]

SIMPLIFIED CAMBRIDGE IGCSE PHYSICS 0625 NOTES 2023 - EDITION BY SAKAJJA JOSHUA SOKUTON
(DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS NU – VISION HIGH SCHOOL)
 SIMPLIFIED CAMBRIDGE IGCSE PHYSICS 0625 NOTES 2023 - EDITION 15
(Cambridge Assessment International Education)
2. Fig. 2.1 shows an oil tank that has a rectangular base of dimensions 2.4 m by 1.5 m.
(Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625/41 Qn. 3 May/June 2016)

Fig 2.1
The tank is filled with oil of density 850 kg/m3 to a depth of 1.5 m.
(a) Calculate
(i) the pressure exerted by the oil on the base of the tank [2]
Answer
{Given; ℎ = 1.5m, 𝜌 = 850kg/m3 , g = 10m/s2 , 𝑃 =? 𝑃𝑎}
𝑃 = ℎ𝜌g
𝑃 = 1.5m x 850kg/m3 x 10m/s 2

𝑃 = 12750Pa or 𝑃 = 1.27 x 104 N/m2

(ii) the force exerted by the oil on the base of the tank. [2]
Answer
{Given p = 12750Pa, A =? m2 𝐹 =? 𝑁}
Hint: First find the area of the cube and use it with the force to calculate the pressure.
𝐴 =𝑙x𝑤
𝐴 = (2.4 x 1.5)m2 → 𝐴 = 3.6m2
 From the definition of pressure,
𝐹
𝑃= → 𝐹 = 𝑃x𝐴
𝐴
𝐹 = 12750N/m2 x 3.66m2
𝐹 = 45900N = 4.59 x 104 N

𝐹 = 4.6 x 104 N
SIMPLIFIED CAMBRIDGE IGCSE PHYSICS 0625 NOTES 2023 - EDITION BY SAKAJJA JOSHUA SOKUTON
(DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS NU – VISION HIGH SCHOOL)
 SIMPLIFIED CAMBRIDGE IGCSE PHYSICS 0625 NOTES 2023 - EDITION 16
(Cambridge Assessment International Education)
(b) The force calculated in (a)(ii) is the weight of the oil. Calculate the mass of oil in the tank.[1]
Answer
{𝐹 = 𝑊 = 4.6 x 104 N, g = 10m/s2 , 𝑚 =? kg}
𝑊
𝑊 = 𝑚g → 𝑚=
g

4.6 x 104 N
𝑚= = 4600kg
10N/kg
m = 4600kg

(c) When he is checking the level of oil in the tank, a man drops a brass key into the oil and it
sinks to the bottom of the oil.
(i) State what this shows about the density of brass. [1]
Answer
 The density of brass is greater than that of oil (850 kg/m3) OR brass is denser than
oil.
(ii) Explain how attaching the key to a piece of wood could prevent the key from sinking. [1]
Answer
 It won’t sink as the average density of wood + key is less than density of oil
[Total: 7]

THE END

Signed:
SAKAJJA JOSHUA SOKUTON

SIMPLIFIED CAMBRIDGE IGCSE PHYSICS 0625 NOTES 2023 - EDITION BY SAKAJJA JOSHUA SOKUTON
(DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS NU – VISION HIGH SCHOOL)