Types of Pressure: Definitions

Pressure

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Force per unit area exerted by a fluid
(gas or liquid) on a solid surface.
The gas inside the cylinder exerts an upward force on the piston.
Pressure measured relative to an absolute vacuum (absolute zero pressure).

Absolute Pressure

-

Gauge Pressure

-
Pressure greater than atmospheric pressure that are measured relative to atmospheric pressure. Gauge pressure is the difference between the absolute pressure and atmospheric pressure: Pgauge = Pabs - Patm

Vacuum Pressure

-
Pressure less than atmospheric pressure that are measured relative to atmospheric pressure. Vacuum pressure equals atmospheric pressure minus the absolute pressure:
Pvac = Patm - Pabs
Pressure gauge
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Ch 1, Lesson E, Page 3 - Types of Pressure: Definitions