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Pressure in solids — KCSE Physics

KCSE Physics · 118 practice questions · 8 syllabus objectives

39 easy40 medium39 hard

What You'll Learn

Key learning outcomes for this topic, aligned to the KNEC KCSE syllabus.

Identify factors affecting pressure and describe the relationship between area and pressure

Define pressure and state its SI unit (pascal), and write the formula P = F/A

Calculate the pressure exerted by a solid object on a surface using P = F/A

Explain everyday applications of pressure (e.g. sharp knives, wide tractor tyres, snowshoes)

Define pressure as force per unit area and state its SI unit (Pascal); convert between Pa, bar and millibar

Apply the formula P = F/A to calculate pressure, force or area in solid-on-surface problems

Explain everyday applications of pressure including wide tyres, many wheels, sharp edges and mattresses

Pressure in solids

Sample Questions

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1
easySHORT ANSWER3 marks

Define pressure in terms of force and area, and explain how the area over which a force is applied affects the pressure exerted by an object. (3 marks)

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Part (a) — 1 mark
Pressure is defined as force per unit area (P = F/A) (1 mk)
Part (b) — 2 marks
As the area increases, the pressure decreases if the force remains constant (1 mk)
This is because pressure is inversely proportional to area (P ∝ 1/A) (1 mk)
2
easySHORT ANSWER2 marks

Identify two reasons why a mattress is designed to distribute weight evenly. (2 marks)

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Part (a) — 2 marks
To reduce pressure points that can cause discomfort during sleep (1 mk)
To support the body properly, preventing misalignment of the spine (1 mk)
3
easySHORT ANSWER4 marks

A cylindrical metal rod weighs 50 N and has a radius of 2 cm. (a) Calculate the area of the circular end of the rod. (2 marks) (b) Determine the pressure exerted by the rod on a flat surface when resting on its end. (2 marks)

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Part (a) — 2 marks
Area = π × radius² = π × (0.02 m)² = 0.00125664 m² (1 mk)
Area ≈ 0.0013 m² (to 2 significant figures) (1 mk)
Part (b) — 2 marks
Pressure P = F/A = 50 N / 0.00125664 m² (1 mk)
Pressure ≈ 39815.5 Pa (to 4 significant figures) (1 mk)
4

List two reasons why using a sharp knife is more effective than a blunt knife when cutting materials. (2 marks)

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Why Practise Pressure in solids?

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