Number 8
2 marks · EasyPressure is a compound measure. Which two quantities must you know to calculate the pressure a box places on the floor? Explain your answer.
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Force and area; Pressure is calculated by dividing the force applied by the area over which it acts.
Also accept: You must know the force (acting on the area) and the area (of contact) because pressure = force / area.
Common mistakes: Weight and height; Weight and length
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Marking points
B1 · 1 mark · States both 'force' and 'area' as required quantities.
B2 · 1 mark · Explains that pressure = force divided by area (or equivalent explanation).
Worked solution
To calculate pressure, you need to know the force acting downward (such as the weight of the box) and the area over which the force is spread.
Both quantities are required for the calculation.