Question 10
When we press the bulb of a dropper with its nozzle kept in water, the air in the dropper is seen to escape in the form of bubbles. Once we release the pressure on the bulb, water gets filled in the dropper. The rise of water in the dropper is due to
- pressure of water
- gravity of the earth
- shape of rubber bulb
- atmospheric pressure
atmospheric pressure
Reason — When all the air escapes from the nozzle, a low pressure develops inside the tube. Due to this the atmospheric pressure, acting on water becomes more than the pressure inside the tube. As water moves from a higher pressure area to a lower pressure area, hence on releasing the bulb, water gets filled in the dropper.
Chapter Overview: Force and Pressure
This physics chapter introduces the concept of force (push/pull) and its effects, classifies forces as contact and non-contact, defines pressure as force per unit area (P = F/A), and explores atmospheric pressure and liquid pressure with everyday applications.
Board Exam Weightage: 5-7 marks | Difficulty: Moderate to High
Key Formulas & Concepts
| Concept | Details |
|---|---|
| Pressure | P = F / A (Force divided by Area); Unit: Pascal (Pa) or N/m² |
| 1 Pascal | 1 Pa = 1 N/m² (force of 1 Newton on area of 1 square metre) |
| Net Force | Forces in same direction add; forces in opposite directions subtract |
| Atmospheric Pressure | ~101,325 Pa at sea level; decreases with altitude |
Must-Know Concepts
- Force can change state of motion, speed, direction, or shape of an object
- Contact forces (muscular, friction) need physical contact; non-contact forces (gravity, electrostatic, magnetic) act at a distance
- Pressure increases when area decreases for the same force (sharp knife, pointed nail)
- Atmospheric pressure acts in all directions and is demonstrated by suckers, straws, and syringes
- Liquid pressure increases with depth and acts in all directions
- Dams are thicker at the bottom because water pressure is greatest there
Contact vs Non-Contact Forces
| Contact Forces | Non-Contact Forces |
|---|---|
| Need physical contact to act | Act at a distance without contact |
| Muscular force (pushing, pulling) | Gravitational force (falling objects) |
| Friction (opposes motion) | Electrostatic force (charged objects) |
| Normal force (surface pushing back) | Magnetic force (magnets) |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Thinking force always causes movement (balanced forces produce no motion)
- Confusing force (Newtons) and pressure (Pascals)
- Forgetting to convert cm² to m² in pressure calculations
- Thinking atmospheric pressure acts only downward (it acts in all directions)
Scoring Tips
- Practice 5 numerical problems on P = F/A with unit conversion
- List 5 everyday examples each of atmospheric and liquid pressure
- Remember: same force, smaller area = greater pressure
- Draw diagrams showing forces acting on objects in different situations
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many marks does this chapter carry in the exam?
A: Approximately 5-7 marks in the annual exam.
Q: What question types are commonly asked?
A: MCQs (1 mark), Very Short Answer (2 marks), Short Answer (3 marks), and Long Answer / Diagram (5 marks).
Q: Is this chapter important for competitive exams?
A: Yes, concepts from this chapter appear in NTSE, Olympiad, and other science competitions.