OCR GCSE Physics A (Gateway)
OCR GCSE Physics A P1.3 Pressure Exam Questions
Free OCR GCSE Physics A exam questions for P1.3 Pressure, with a mark scheme for every pack. Covers gas pressure, the particle model of gases, pressure and volume, work done on gases, liquid pressure, upthrust and atmospheric pressure.
P1.3 Pressure exam questions
1 question pack of real past exam questions, each with its mark scheme. Do not stop after a few: answer as many as you can without notes, then mark every answer with the mark scheme. The more questions you do, the more quickly you will spot how examiners ask about each idea.
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About OCR GCSE Physics A P1.3 Pressure
P1.3 completes the P1 Matter chapter. It explains gas pressure using the particle model: particles collide with the walls of a container, exerting a force, and heating a gas at constant volume increases its pressure. The separate physics content goes further: pressure x volume = constant at constant temperature, why doing work on a gas can increase its temperature, pressure in liquids, how it increases with depth and density, why objects float or sink because of upthrust, and why atmospheric pressure decreases with height. It links to P2 forces. Examiners like explanations in terms of particle collisions and calculations of liquid pressure.
What you need to know
- Gas pressure Gas particles move randomly and collide with container walls, producing a force at right angles to the walls. Pressure is force per unit area.
- Temperature and pressure At constant volume, heating a gas makes the particles move faster, so collisions are more frequent and more forceful, increasing pressure.
- Pressure and volume For a fixed mass of gas at constant temperature, pressure x volume = constant, so halving the volume doubles the pressure.
- Work done on a gas Compressing a gas quickly, as in a bicycle pump, transfers energy to the particles, increasing their kinetic energy and the temperature of the gas.
- Pressure in liquids Pressure due to a column of liquid = height x density x g. Pressure increases with depth and acts in all directions.
- Upthrust and floating Upthrust is caused by greater pressure on the lower surface. It equals the weight of liquid displaced; an object floats if it is less dense than the liquid.
- Atmospheric pressure Atmospheric pressure is caused by air molecules colliding with surfaces and decreases with height because there is less air above.
Common mistakes in P1.3 Pressure
- Saying the particles hit the walls harder without also saying they hit more often. Both increase pressure when temperature rises.
- Saying gas pressure increases at lower volume because particles move faster. At constant temperature their speed is the same; they hit the walls more often.
- Forgetting to convert area from cm^2 to m^2 before using p = F / A.
- Saying upthrust increases the deeper an object is once fully submerged. It depends on the volume of liquid displaced.
- Forgetting that pressure p x V = constant only applies at constant temperature.
Try three P1.3 Pressure exam-style questions
1. A box with a weight of 600 N rests on an area of 0.030 m^2. Calculate the pressure it exerts. (2 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
Pressure = force / area = 600 / 0.030; = 20 000 Pa.
2. A gas at 100 kPa occupies 0.60 m^3. It is compressed at constant temperature to 0.20 m^3. Calculate the new pressure. (3 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
p1 x V1 = p2 x V2; 100 x 0.60 = p2 x 0.20; p2 = 300 kPa.
3. Calculate the pressure due to water at a depth of 4.0 m. Density of water = 1000 kg/m^3, g = 10 N/kg. (2 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
Pressure = h x rho x g = 4.0 x 1000 x 10; = 40 000 Pa.
P1.3 Pressure FAQs
What does OCR GCSE Physics A (Gateway Science) P1.3 Pressure cover?
It covers gas pressure and the particle model, pressure-volume changes, work done on gases, pressure in liquids, upthrust and atmospheric pressure.
Which paper is P1.3 examined on?
Topics P1 to P4 are assessed on Paper 1 (Foundation) or Paper 3 (Higher), alongside practical skills.
How should I explain pressure changes in a gas?
Always talk about particles colliding with the walls: say whether collisions become more frequent, more forceful or both, and link this to a larger force per unit area.
