FORCE AND PRESSURE

What is Relation Between Force and Pressure Class 8: Explained Simply

By ConceptScroll Team · Published on 19 June 2026 · 3 min read

In Class 8 Science, understanding what is relation between force and pressure is essential. Pressure depends on the force applied and the area over which it acts. This concept is key to solving many problems in the Force and Pressure chapter of the NCERT textbook.

Understanding Force: The Starting Point

Force is a push or pull acting on an object. It can change the object's shape, speed, or direction. In Class 8 Science, force is measured in newtons (N). Examples of force include:

  • Pushing a door
  • Pulling a rope
  • Gravity pulling objects down

Force is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction. This is important when studying pressure because the direction of force affects how pressure is applied.

Defining Pressure and Its Units

Pressure is the force applied per unit area on a surface. It tells us how concentrated a force is over an area. The formula for pressure is:

$$Pressure = \frac{Force}{Area}$$

Where:

  • Pressure is in pascals (Pa)
  • Force is in newtons (N)
  • Area is in square meters (m²)

For example, if a force of 10 N is applied on an area of 2 m², the pressure is:

$$Pressure = \frac{10}{2} = 5 \text{ Pa}$$

Pressure helps explain why sharp objects like knives cut better—they apply the same force over a smaller area, increasing pressure.

Want to test yourself on Force and Pressure? Try our free quiz →

What is Relation Between Force and Pressure Class 8?

The relation between force and pressure is direct but depends on the area over which the force acts:

  • If the force increases and the area remains constant, pressure increases.
  • If the area increases while force remains constant, pressure decreases.

This means pressure is directly proportional to force and inversely proportional to area.

Mathematically:

$$P \propto F$$ (if area is constant)

$$P \propto \frac{1}{A}$$ (if force is constant)

This relation is crucial for solving Class 8 NCERT problems on force and pressure.

Real-Life Examples Showing Force and Pressure Relationship

Understanding the relation between force and pressure helps explain everyday phenomena:

  • High Heels vs. Flat Shoes: High heels have a smaller area in contact with the ground, so the pressure is higher, which can damage floors.
  • Snowshoes: They have a large surface area to reduce pressure and prevent sinking into snow.
  • Nails: A sharp nail has a small tip area, increasing pressure to pierce wood easily.

These examples show how changing force or area affects pressure in practical ways.

Comparison Table: Effect of Force and Area on Pressure

ScenarioForce (N)Area (m²)Pressure (Pa)Explanation
Force = 20 N, Area = 42045Moderate force, large area
Force = 20 N, Area = 220210Same force, smaller area → more pressure
Force = 40 N, Area = 440410Larger force, same area → more pressure

This table highlights how pressure changes with force and area.

Solved Example: Calculating Pressure from Force and Area

Example: A force of 50 N is applied on a surface area of 5 m². Calculate the pressure.

Solution:

Using the formula:

$$Pressure = \frac{Force}{Area} = \frac{50}{5} = 10 \text{ Pa}$$

So, the pressure exerted is 10 pascals.

Example 2: If the area is halved to 2.5 m² with the same force, pressure becomes:

$$Pressure = \frac{50}{2.5} = 20 \text{ Pa}$$

Pressure doubles when area halves, showing inverse relation.

Frequently asked questions

What is the formula relating force and pressure?

Pressure equals force divided by area, $P = \frac{F}{A}$.

How does increasing area affect pressure?

Increasing area decreases pressure if force stays the same.

Why do sharp objects exert more pressure?

Because they apply force over a smaller area, increasing pressure.

What units are used to measure pressure in Class 8 Science?

Pressure is measured in pascals (Pa), force in newtons (N), area in square meters (m²).

Can pressure be zero if force is applied?

No, pressure depends on force and area; if force is applied, pressure exists.

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