Resource 3: Everyday examples of pressure

Everyday examples of pressure

Following are some real-life examples of pressure in action:

• If you are carrying a heavy bag, narrow handles or straps cut into your hands and shoulders, but broad handles and straps are more comfortable.
• Narrow heels on shoes sink in further than wide, flat heels.
• Spreading your weight over a larger area stops you sinking in.
• Heavy vehicles that are used on softer ground need to have bigger, wider tyres.
• A sharp knife has a narrower blade edge than a blunt one, and is easier to cut with.
• Nails and tacks have a flat hammering head plus a sharp point to make it easier to hammer into wood, but also puncture tyres.
• Large machines for digging, grabbing or lifting use hydraulic pressure systems.

Below are some everyday items that rely on pressure to work:

• suction pads
• sucking a drink up with a straw
• siphons
• syringes
• bicycle pumps
• water pumps
• hydraulic jacks for lifting cars
• pneumatic controls
• vacuum cleaners.