Why does pressure in liquid not dependent on the surface area?

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SUMMARY

Pressure in liquids is independent of surface area due to the fundamental definition of pressure as force divided by area. This principle holds true because pressure acts uniformly in all directions within the liquid. The analogy of standing in a crowd illustrates that an individual's weight determines the pressure exerted on the ground, not the total weight of the crowd, reinforcing that pressure is a function of force rather than area.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts, particularly pressure and force.
  • Familiarity with the definition of pressure as force per unit area.
  • Knowledge of fluid dynamics principles.
  • Ability to visualize three-dimensional pressure distribution in fluids.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the concept of hydrostatic pressure in fluids.
  • Explore Pascal's principle and its applications in hydraulic systems.
  • Learn about the effects of depth on pressure in liquids.
  • Investigate the relationship between pressure and buoyancy in fluid mechanics.
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, engineers working with fluid systems, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of pressure in liquids.

threy
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is it because that pressure in liquid acts in all directions?
 
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Because pressure is defined as the force/area. Since you've divided out the area, it is independent of area by definition.
 
Why does pressure in liquid not dependent on the surface area?

Imagine you have been standing in a crowd of people for hours. How tired your feet get depends on your weight, not the weight of everyone in the crowd. If the crowd gets bigger the "weight per foot" doesn't get any larger.
 

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