Pressure

Pressure is how hard something pushes on a space. When you press your finger on a table, you are making pressure. The harder you push, the more pressure you make. Pressure is all around us every day.

Air Pressure

The air around us has weight and pushes on everything. This is called air pressure. We don't feel it because our bodies push back with the same force. Air pressure changes with the weather. It is also lower high up on tall mountains.

Pressure in Action

Pressure helps many things work. Car tires need air pressure to roll smoothly. When you squeeze a straw, you change the pressure inside it to drink. Deep in the ocean, the water pressure is very strong. Submarines have thick walls to handle that pressure.

Fun Facts

• Air pressure holds a tiny bit of paper on top of an upside-down water glass.
• Your ears pop when air pressure changes quickly.
• A sharp knife cuts well because it puts lots of pressure on a tiny edge.

Did You Know?

The deepest part of the ocean has water pressure over 1,000 times stronger than the air pressure at the surface.