Pressure is a scalar quantity because

examrobotsa's picture
Q: 26 (NDA-II/2016)
Pressure is a scalar quantity because

question_subject: 

Geography

question_exam: 

NDA-II

stats: 

0,4,11,9,2,4,0

keywords: 

{'scalar quantity': [0, 0, 0, 1], 'pressure': [0, 0, 0, 1], 'vectors': [1, 0, 0, 2], 'force': [0, 0, 0, 2], 'ratio': [1, 0, 1, 12], 'magnitude': [0, 0, 3, 10]}

Option 1 states that pressure is a scalar quantity because both force and area are vectors. However, this is incorrect. Pressure is not determined by the direction of force or area, but rather by the magnitude of force and the area over which it is applied.

Option 2 suggests that pressure is a scalar quantity because it is the ratio of the magnitude of force to area. This is partially correct. Pressure is indeed determined by the magnitude of force and area, but it is not solely based on their magnitudes. The direction of force or area does not affect pressure.

Option 3 correctly states that pressure is the ratio of the component of force (normal to the area) to the area. This is the definition of pressure. The force component perpendicular to the area is divided by the area to determine pressure. This option explains the concept accurately.

Option 4 suggests that none of the above options are correct, but this is incorrect. Option 3 is the correct explanation as to why pressure is a scalar quantity.

In summary, option 3 correctly explains that pressure is a scalar quantity because it is the ratio of the component of force (normal to the area) to the area.

Practice this on app