How is pressure defined in terms of force and area?

Pressure is defined as the force exerted per unit area over which that force is distributed. This concept can be expressed mathematically with the formula:

Pressure = Force / Area.

In this relationship, force is the total push or pull exerted on a surface, while area refers to the surface over which the force is applied. The division of force by area allows us to understand how concentrated or distributed the force is across the specified area, which directly relates to how we experience pressure in various contexts, such as in fluids or in mechanical systems.

This definition helps explain why an increase in force will lead to an increase in pressure, provided the area remains constant. Similarly, if the area over which the force is applied increases, the pressure will decrease if the force stays the same. Therefore, the correct understanding of pressure is crucial in many practical applications, including engineering, hydraulics, and aerodynamics.