Final Answer:
The amount of force per unit area is the correct definition of pressure which is option 3).
Explanation:
Pressure is defined as the force applied perpendicular to the surface of an object per unit area. Mathematically, it is represented as P = F/A, where P is the pressure, F is the force applied, and A is the area over which the force is distributed.
For instance, if a force of 100 Newtons is applied to an area of 5 square meters, the pressure would be 20 Pascals (Pa). This means there are 20 Newtons of force applied to every square meter of the surface.
Understanding pressure is crucial in various fields like physics, engineering, and fluid mechanics. For instance, in a hydraulic system, pressure plays a pivotal role in transmitting force through confined fluids.
In everyday scenarios, pressure explains why a sharp knife easily cuts through objects – the force is distributed over a smaller area, creating higher pressure and allowing for easier penetration.
Pressure's significance extends to natural phenomena as well. Atmospheric pressure, for example, is the force exerted by the weight of air above a given point on the Earth's surface.
It influences weather patterns and is essential for various biological processes. Hence, grasping the concept of pressure, its calculation, and applications is fundamental across scientific disciplines and real-world applications.
Therefore, the amount of force per unit area is the correct definition of pressure which is option 3).