AP PHYSICS 2
SUMMARY CHAPTER 10 - STATIC FLUIDS

Pressure P the ratio of the force F that a fluid exerts perpendicular to a surface area A divided by
that area. The pressure is caused by fluid particles colliding elastically with objects in contact with
fluid.

Density p the ratio of the mass m of a substance divided by the volume of that substance.

Pascal’s first law-hydraulic press an increase in pressure in one part of an enclosed fluid
increases the pressure throughout the fluid. In a hydraulic press, a small force F1 exerted on a
small piston of area A1 can cause a large force F2 to be exerted on a large piston area A2.

Pascal’s second law-variation of pressure with depth On a vertical upward-pointing y-axis,
the pressure of a fluid P2 at position y2 depends on the pressure P1 at position y1 and on the
density of the fluid.

Buoyant force A fluid exerts an upward-pointing buoyant force on an object totally or partially
immersed in the fluid. The force depends on the density of the fluid and on the volume of the fluid
displaced.

Newton’s second law Use the standard problem-solving strategies with this law (sketched, force
diagrams, math descriptions) to find some unknown quantity. The problems often involve the
buoyant force, pressure, and density.