The force acting on a unit area of a surface is called

Appeared in: RRB Nsg. Superintendent-20 July 2019 (Shift-3rd)

Explanation

Pressure is the correct term for the force exerted on a specific area.
The formula for pressure is P = F/A, where P is pressure, F is the force, and A is the area.
This definition is a fundamental concept in physics with wide applications in medicine and nursing.

Option A: Friction is a force that opposes motion between two surfaces in contact. It does not describe force distributed over an area.
Option B: Tension is a pulling force transmitted through a linear object like a rope, cable, or muscle tendon. It is not defined by its action on a surface area.
Option D: Gravity is the fundamental force of attraction between any two objects with mass. While it creates a force (weight), it is not defined as force per unit area.

Visual 1: Diagram - An infographic illustrating the formula P = F/A, showing a force vector acting perpendicularly on a defined square area of a surface.
Visual 2: Chart - A comparison table showing the definitions, units, and clinical examples of Pressure, Friction, Tension, and Gravity.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Definition of Pressure as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding pressure is fundamental for nurses to monitor blood pressure, assess for glaucoma (intraocular pressure), and manage patients with increased intracranial pressure.
A key nursing responsibility is the prevention of pressure injuries (bedsores) by regularly repositioning patients to relieve pressure on bony prominences, thereby preventing tissue ischemia.
What if? If a patient is immobile and has poor nutrition, their tissue tolerance to pressure decreases significantly. This means the nurse must implement repositioning schedules more frequently (e.g., every 1-2 hours instead of every 2-4 hours) and use pressure-relieving surfaces to prevent rapid skin breakdown.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question based on a fundamental physics definition.
Identify the keywords in the stem: 'force' and 'unit area'.
Recall the definitions of the four options provided.
Match the keywords 'force per unit area' to the correct term, which is 'Pressure'.
Mentally eliminate the other options by confirming their definitions do not match (Friction opposes motion, Tension is a pulling force, Gravity is an attractive force).

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full RRB Nsg. Superintendent-20 July 2019 (Shift-3rd)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.