Pressure at different depths and heights
I can describe how the pressure changes at different depths underwater and heights in the atmosphere.
Pressure at different depths and heights
I can describe how the pressure changes at different depths underwater and heights in the atmosphere.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The bigger the surface area of a boat’s hull, the bigger the upthrust on it can be.
- Pressure in liquid increases with depth because there is more liquid pushing down.
- Pressure in the atmosphere reduces with height because there is less air pushing down.
Keywords
Upthrust - A force acting upwards due to pressure is an upthrust.
Pressure - The pressure on a surface is the effect of a force acting over an area.
Depth - Depth is the distance under the surface of a liquid.
Atmospheric pressure - Atmospheric pressure is the pressure caused by the atmosphere, this decreases with height.
Common misconception
Pressure is greater at the bottom of a wider container than at the bottom of a narrower one.
Discuss how the force of water in the wider container is acting over a bigger area and refer to pressure = force ÷ area.
To help you plan your year 9 science lesson on: Pressure at different depths and heights, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 9 science lesson on: Pressure at different depths and heights, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 3 science lessons from the Hidden forces unit, dive into the full secondary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Licence
Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
upthrust -
a force acting upwards due to pressure differences
pressure -
the effect of a force acting over an area
depth -
the distance under the surface of a liquid
atmospheric pressure -
the pressure caused by the air in the atmosphere
