Final answer:
The pressure exerted by a stationary fluid on an object is uniform and acts perpendicular to all surfaces of the object. It is calculated using the formula P = hpg, reflecting the force due to the weight of the fluid column above the point of interest.
Step-by-step explanation:
The pressure exerted by a standing or stationary fluid on an object is determined by the fluid's depth, density, and the acceleration due to gravity. In the scenario of a static or stationary fluid, the pressure at any given point is isotropic, meaning that it is the same in every direction. This isotropic pressure results because fluids cannot withstand or exert shearing (sideways) forces, so the forces due to pressure are always exerted perpendicular to any surface. For instance, in the case of a static fluid contained within a tank, the force it exerts on the tank's walls is directly perpendicular to the tank's interior surfaces. Similarly, every object submerged in the fluid, like a swimmer or a tire, will feel this pressure uniformly on all sides.
Units of Pressure are important when discussing fluid mechanics. Pressure (P) is defined as the force (F) applied per unit area (A) and is calculated as P = hpg, where h is the height of the fluid column, p is the density of the fluid, and g is the acceleration due to gravity. This equation signifies the pressure due to the weight of a fluid, and it is valid under various conditions, even if an external container is not present to confine the fluid.