Difference between N/m^2 and N/m^-2

Thread starter elecone
Start date Jul 6, 2021
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The units N/m² and N/m^-2 both represent pressure and are equivalent, denoting "Newtons per square metre." However, N/m^-2 is often misinterpreted; it is crucial to note that N/m^-2 should not be confused with N/m² or N*m², as the latter represents a different physical quantity. The discussion clarifies that N/m^-2 is not a valid representation of pressure.

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Jul 6, 2021

elecone

Homework Statement: My homework questions all state pressure as N/m^-2. what's the difference between N/m^2 and N/m^-2? Thanks

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Jul 6, 2021

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elecone said:

Homework Statement:: My homework questions all state pressure as N/m^-2. what's the difference between N/m^2 and N/m^-2? Thanks

Pressure could be in units of ##N/m^2## or ##Nm^{-2}##. They're the same thing: "Newtons per square metre".
But not ##N/m^{-2}##, which would be the same as ##Nm^2##.