How is pressure defined in the context of physics?

Pressure in the context of physics is defined as the force applied per unit area. This definition highlights the relationship between the force exerted on a surface and the area over which that force is distributed. In mathematical terms, pressure (P) is expressed as:

[ P = \frac{F}{A} ]

where ( F ) is the force and ( A ) is the area. This concept is essential in various applications, including hydraulics, meteorology, and engineering, as it helps to understand how forces act over surfaces, affecting both solid and fluid dynamics.

This concept can be illustrated through everyday phenomena, such as how a sharp object applies more pressure than a blunt object due to its smaller contact area for the same force. Understanding pressure is fundamental to further study in areas such as fluid mechanics, where the behavior of liquids and gases is analyzed under various conditions.