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Question 51 of 69 in Units (Solids, Liquids and Gases)

Pressure and depth

2 marks · Easy

Explain why the pressure in a liquid increases with depth.

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Also accept: There is more liquid above so greater weight and force at greater depth.; Deeper liquid means greater pressure due to more weight pressing down.

Common mistakes: Saying only that pressure increases with depth without explanation

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Marking points

B1 · 1 mark · States pressure is due to the weight of liquid above

B2 · 1 mark · Explains that more liquid above means more force/weight per unit area at greater depths

Worked solution

As depth increases, the amount of liquid above increases, so the weight of liquid pressing down increases. This greater force per unit area means the pressure increases with depth.

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