K326 / K327 / 2027

Chapter 3

Force and pressure

Use measured quantities to explain an object and its interactions.

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Choose a lesson

  1. Forces, mass and weight

    Identify force types, distinguish mass from weight and calculate weight in a given gravitational field.

  2. Density from measurements

    Measure mass and volume, calculate density and use consistent units.

  3. Pressure at a surface

    Relate pressure to perpendicular force and contact area, and convert areas correctly.

Syllabus coverage

This chapter covers Force and pressure, topic 3(a-i), in the K326 / K327 syllabus (2027) and 5086 / 5087 (2026).

Learn to calculate weight, determine mass per unit volume and compare the effect of force spread over an area.

Includes contact and non-contact forces, gravitational field strength, density and surface pressure.

View the learning outcomes
3(a)
Distinguish contact and non-contact forces, including the specified examples. Forces, mass and weight
3(b)
Explain mass as a measure of the amount of matter in a body. Forces, mass and weight
3(c)
Describe a gravitational field as a region where a mass experiences gravitational attraction. Forces, mass and weight
3(d)
Define gravitational field strength as gravitational force per unit mass. Forces, mass and weight
3(e)
Apply weight = mass x gravitational field strength to new situations. Forces, mass and weight
3(f)
Distinguish mass from weight. Forces, mass and weight
3(g)
Apply density = mass / volume to new situations. Density from measurements
3(h)
Define pressure in terms of perpendicular force and area. Pressure at a surface
3(i)
Apply pressure = force / area to new situations. Pressure at a surface