PHYSICS · Single correct · A Level · Physics · Mechanics and materials · Mechanics and materials
Problem
When a normal force F acts on an area A, the pressure is defined by P=F/A. How should pressure be classified?
(a) Vector, because it shares the same direction as the normal to the surface.
(b) Tensor, because pressure at a point requires specification of two directions.
(c) Scalar, because it has magnitude only and does not obey vector addition laws.
(d) Vector, because it is obtained by dividing the vector force by the scalar area.