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1.8 Pressure
Question Paper
Level
Subject
Exam Board
Topic
Sub-Topic
Booklet
IGCSE
Physics (0625)
Cambridge International Examinations (CIE)
General Physics
1.8 Pressure
Question Paper
63 minutes
Time Allowed:
Score:
/52
Percentage:
/100
Grade Boundaries:
A*
A
B
C
D
E
U
>85%
75%
60%
45%
35%
25%
<25%
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1 The diagram shows three vases each with the same base area. Each vase contains water of the
same depth.
water
water
water
P
Q
R
Which statement about the water pressures at points P, Q and R is correct?
A
The pressure at point P is the greatest.
B
The pressure at point Q is the least.
C
The pressure at point R is the greatest.
D
The pressures at points P, Q and R are the same.
2 The diagram shows a simple mercury barometer.
V
W
mercury
X
Y
Z
The atmospheric pressure increases.
Which distance increases?
A
VW
B
WY
C
XY
D
XZ
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3 A T-shaped girder is placed on the ground in position X. It is then turned over to position Y.
ground
position X
position Y
What happens to the force on the ground and what happens to the pressure on the ground?
force
pressure
A
increases
increases
B
increases
remains the same
C
remains the same
increases
D
remains the same
remains the same
4 The diagram shows four solid pieces of the same metal. Each piece has the same thickness and
stands on a bench as shown.
Which piece of metal produces the greatest pressure on the bench?
A
B
C
1.0 cm
3.0 cm
1.0 cm
D
2.0 cm
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5 The diagram shows a simple mercury barometer.
Which labelled length is measured when finding atmospheric pressure?
A
mercury
B C D
6 Identical toy bricks are placed one on top of another to make a tower on a table.
bricks
tower of bricks
table
Which graph shows the relationship between the pressure P that the tower exerts on the table
and the weight W of the tower?
A
B
P
C
P
0
0
W
D
P
0
0
W
P
0
0
W
0
0
W
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7
A dam across a lake is divided into two sections by a rock. Section X is longer than section Y but
the two sections are otherwise identical. The water in the lake by the dam is the same depth
everywhere. The diagram shows a view from above of the lake and the dam.
section X of dam
water in
lake
rock
section Y of dam
The water creates a total force on each section of the dam and an average pressure on each
section of the dam.
Which statement is correct?
A
The average pressure on X equals the average pressure on Y.
B
The average pressure on X is less than the average pressure on Y.
C
The total force on X equals the total force on Y.
D
The total force on X is less than the total force on Y.
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8
The diagram shows a simple mercury barometer alongside a mercury manometer. The
manometer contains some trapped gas.
cm
90
vacuum
80
trapped
gas
70
60
50
76 cm
40
mercury
30
20
10
What is the pressure of the trapped gas?
9
A
10 cm of mercury
B
50 cm of mercury
C
66 cm of mercury
D
86 cm of mercury
The diagrams show two swimming pools. One contains fresh water and the other contains salt
water. Salt water is more dense than fresh water.
At which labelled point is the pressure the greatest?
water surface
water surface
A
C
B
D
fresh water (less dense)
salt water (more dense)
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10 A cyclist travels down a hill from rest at point X, without pedalling.
The cyclist applies his brakes and the cycle stops at point Y.
X
hill
Y
Which energy changes have taken place between X and Y?
A
gravitational potential → kinetic → thermal (heat)
B
gravitational potential → thermal (heat) → kinetic
C
kinetic → gravitational potential → thermal (heat)
D
kinetic → thermal (heat) → gravitational potential
11 The diagram shows a stone suspended under the surface of a liquid from a string. The stone
experiences a pressure caused by the liquid.
string
stone
liquid
What would increase the pressure on the stone?
A
decreasing the surface area of the stone
D
B
using
a liquid
a lower
increasing
thewith
mass
of thedensity
stone
C
lowering the stone deeper into the liquid
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12 The diagram shows a simple mercury barometer, used to measure atmospheric pressure.
P
L
mercury
Atmospheric pressure decreases.
Which row states what happens to the pressure at point P and what happens to the level L?
pressure at P
level L
A
decreases
falls
B
decreases
rises
C
stays the same
falls
D
stays the same
rises
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13 The diagram shows a manometer with one side connected to a gas cylinder and the other side
open to the atmosphere.
gas cylinder
liquid
Which conclusion can be made using only the information from liquid levels in the manometer?
A
The density of the gas is less than the density of air.
B
The density of the gas is greater than the density of air.
C
The pressure of the gas is less than atmospheric pressure.
D
The pressure of the gas is greater than atmospheric pressure.
14 The diagram shows a solid block resting on a bench. The dimensions of the block are shown.
40 cm
20 cm
80 cm
Q
P
R
bench
On which labelled surface should the block rest to produce the smallest pressure on the bench?
A
P
B
Q
C
R
D
any of P, Q or R
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15 Which statement is explained by reference to pressure?
A
Objects with greater mass have greater weight.
B
One kilogram of water occupies more volume than one kilogram of lead.
C
Spikes on running-shoes sink into the ground.
D
Water cooled to a low enough temperature turns to ice.
16 The diagram shows a manometer containing a liquid. The manometer is used to find the
difference between the pressure of a gas and atmospheric pressure.
Which distance represents this pressure difference?
gas
pressure
A
C
D
B
liquid
17 Four physics teachers investigate pressure. They wear identical clothes and lie on different beds
of nails.
The table gives the weight of each teacher and the total area of contact between the teacher and
the nails.
Which teacher experiences the least pressure from the nails?
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18 The table gives four forces and the surface area on which each force acts.
Which row gives the largest pressure on the surface?
19 What does a barometer measure?
A
the current in a circuit
B
the density of a liquid
C
the pressure of air
D
the temperature of an object
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20 A man is in contact with the floor.
In which of these situations does he produce the least pressure on the floor?
A
kneeling
B
lying flat on his back
C
standing on both feet
D
standing on one foot
21 A vehicle sinks into soft ground.
The vehicle is changed so that it does not sink as far.
Which change is made?
A
a lower centre of mass
B
a more powerful engine
C
wheels that are further apart
D
wider tyres
22 A manometer is used to measure the pressure of a gas trapped in a cylinder.
At which labelled point on the diagram is the pressure greatest?
gas
cylinder
D
A
C
B
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23 Which situation is an example of a force acting over a large area to produce a small pressure?
A
a builder hammering a nail into a piece of wood
B
a cook using a sharp knife to cut vegetables
C
a nurse pushing a needle into a patient’s arm
D
a soldier marching in flat-soled boots
24 A student places four identical beakers on a bench.
Two beakers contain salt water of density 1.1 g / cm3 and two beakers contain pure water of
density 1.0 g / cm3.
Which beaker exerts the greatest pressure on the bench?
A
C
B
150 cm3
of salt
water
100 cm3
of salt
water
D
150 cm3
of pure
water
100 cm3
of pure
water
25 A student places his thumb firmly on the outlet of a bicycle pump, to stop the air coming out.
trapped air
direction of
motion
handle
What happens to the pressure and what happens to the volume of the trapped air as the pump
handle is pushed in?
pressure
Volume
A
decreases
decreases
B
decreases
remains the same
C
increases
decreases
D
increases
remains the same
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26 The diagram shows a simple mercury barometer.
P
mercury
Q
Atmospheric pressure decreases.
What happens to the level of the mercury at P and what happens to the level of the mercury at
Q?
P
Q
A
falls
falls
B
falls
rises
C
rises
falls
D
rises
rises
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27 The diagram shows three different containers J, K and L. Each container contains water of the
same depth.
J
K
L
Which statement about the pressure of the water on the base of each container is correct?
A
The water pressure is greatest in container J.
B
The water pressure is greatest in container K.
C
The water pressure is greatest in container L.
D
The water pressure is the same for all three containers.
28 A water manometer is connected to a gas supply.
Q
gas
supply
water
P
There is a gas leak and the pressure of the gas supply falls.
What happens to the water level at P and what happens to the water level at Q?
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29 The scale diagram shows three identical blocks, P, Q and R. The blocks have different areas of
contact with the ground.
P
Q
R
Which block exerts the greatest pressure on the ground?
A
block P
B
block Q
C
block R
D
they all exert the same pressure
30 A manometer is used to measure the pressure of the air in a container.
manometer
connection
to container
h
liquid
Which change would give a bigger value of height h ?
A
using a less dense liquid
B
using a more dense liquid
C
using a narrower tube
D
using a wider tube
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31 A man stands on the ground.
Which action will increase the pressure that the man exerts on the ground?
A
The man slowly bends his knees.
B
The man slowly lies down on the ground.
C
The man slowly raises his arms.
D
The man slowly raises one foot off the ground.
32 The diagram shows a simple mercury barometer.
cm
90
vacuum
80
metre rule
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
mercury
Which length is used to find the value of atmospheric pressure?
A
12 cm
B
74 cm
C
86 cm
D
100 cm
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33 A mercury manometer is used to measure a pressure difference. The difference is shown by the
levels X and Y in the diagram.
mm
100
90
Y
80
70
60
50
mercury
40
30
20
X
10
0
What is the pressure difference represented by X and Y?
A
5 mm of mercury
B
50 mm of mercury
C
90 mm of mercury
D
95 mm of mercury
34 The diagrams show the actual size of the heels of four different lady’s shoes, as seen from
underneath the shoe.
Which heel is most likely to cause damage to floors?
A
B
C
D
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35 A drawing pin (thumb tack) has a sharp point and a flat end.
flat end
sharp point
The pin is pushed into a wooden board.
How do the pressure and the force at the sharp point compare with the pressure and the force at
the flat end?
force at the sharp point
pressure at the sharp point
A
greater than at the flat end
greater than at the flat end
B
greater than at the flat end
less than at the flat end
C
the same as at the flat end
greater than at the flat end
D
the same as at the flat end
less than at the flat end
36 The diagrams show four divers at the bottom of four different swimming pools.
Two swimming pools contain fresh water and two contain salt water. Fresh water is less dense
than salt water.
Which diver feels the least pressure from the water?
A
B
C
D
fresh
water
fresh
water
salt
water
salt
water
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37 It is dangerous for submarines to dive to very great depths.
Why is it dangerous?
A
The density of water is less at greater depths.
B
The pressure of water is greater at greater depths.
C
The temperature of water is higher at greater depths.
D
The weight of the submarine is greater at greater depths.
38 Which block exerts the greatest pressure on the surface below it?
A
B
C
D
area 10 cm2
area 10 cm2
area 20 cm2
area 20 cm2
weight
100 N
weight
200 N
weight
100 N
weight
200 N
39 Which statement is explained by reference to pressure?
A
Objects with greater mass have greater weight.
B
One kilogram of water occupies more volume than one kilogram of lead.
C
Spikes on running-shoes sink into the ground.
D
Water cooled to a low enough temperature turns to ice.
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40 The diagram shows a mercury manometer used to measure the pressure of gas in a container.
Atmospheric pressure is 76 cm of mercury.
gas
mercury
20 cm
12 cm
What is the pressure of the gas?
A
56 cm of mercury
B
68 cm of mercury
C
84 cm of mercury
D
96 cm of mercury
41 What does a barometer measure?
A
atmospheric density
B
atmospheric pressure
C
liquid density
D
liquid pressure
42 In which position would a boy exert the most pressure on the ground?
A
lying on his back
B
sitting down
C
standing on one foot
D
standing on two feet
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43 A brick with flat, rectangular sides rests on a table.
brick
table
The brick is now turned so that it rests on the table on its smallest face.
How has this affected the force and the pressure exerted by the brick on the table?
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44 The diagram shows two mercury barometers.
Barometer 1 is measuring atmospheric pressure on day 1.
Barometer 2 is measuring atmospheric pressure on day 2.
mercury
point Y
point X
barometer 1, day 1
barometer 2, day 2
Which statement is true?
A
The atmospheric pressure on day 1 is less than the atmospheric pressure on day 2.
B
The atmospheric pressure on day 1 is the same as the atmospheric pressure on day 2.
C
The pressure at point X is less than the pressure at point Y.
D
The pressure at point X is the same as the pressure at point Y.
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45 A water manometer is used to measure the pressure of a gas supply.
gas
supply
initial level
of water
10 cm
10 cm
water
When it is attached to the gas supply, the water falls on the left side and rises on the right side.
The difference in the levels of water on the two sides is now 20 cm.
What is the pressure of the gas supply?
A
the pressure due to 10 cm depth of water
B
the pressure due to 20 cm depth of water
C
the pressure due to 10 cm depth of water plus atmospheric pressure
D
the pressure due to 20 cm depth of water plus atmospheric pressure
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46 A chair is placed on protective cups to prevent damage to the carpet underneath it.
chair
carpet
protective cups
How do the cups change the area of contact with the carpet and the pressure on it?
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47 A diver under water uses breathing apparatus at a depth where the pressure is 1.25 × 105 Pa.
A bubble of gas breathed out by the diver has a volume of 20 cm3 when it is released. The bubble
moves upwards to the surface of the water.
At the surface of the water, the atmospheric pressure is 1.00 × 105 Pa.
The temperature of the water is the same at all depths.
What is the volume of this bubble when it reaches the surface?
15 cm3
A
16 cm3
B
20 cm3
C
25 cm3
D
48 The diagram shows a simple mercury barometer.
V
W
mercury
X
Y
Z
The atmospheric pressure increases.
Which distance increases?
A
VW
B
WY
C
XY
D
XZ
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49 A force acts on an area to produce a pressure.
Which changes produce the same pressure?
A
double the area and double the force
B
double the area and halve the force
C
double the area and make the force four times bigger
D
halve the area and double the force
50 Identical toy bricks are placed one on top of another to make a tower on a table.
bricks
tower of bricks
table
Which graph shows the relationship between the pressure P that the tower exerts on the table
and the weight W of the tower?
A
B
P
C
P
0
0
W
D
P
0
0
W
P
0
0
W
0
0
W
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51 A dam across a lake is divided into two sections by a rock. Section X is longer than section Y but
the two sections are otherwise identical. The water in the lake by the dam is the same depth
everywhere. The diagram shows a view from above of the lake and the dam.
section X of dam
water in
lake
rock
section Y of dam
The water creates a total force on each section of the dam and an average pressure on each
section of the dam.
Which statement is correct?
A
The average pressure on X equals the average pressure on Y.
B
The average pressure on X is less than the average pressure on Y.
C
The total force on X equals the total force on Y.
D
The total force on X is less than the total force on Y.
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52 The diagram shows a simple mercury barometer alongside a mercury manometer. The
manometer contains some trapped gas.
cm
90
vacuum
80
trapped
gas
70
60
50
76 cm
40
mercury
30
20
10
What is the pressure of the trapped gas?
A
10 cm of mercury
B
50 cm of mercury
C
66 cm of mercury
D
86 cm of mercury