If the surface is not level, liquids will flow in the direction which will tend to make the surface level. In studying fluids at rest, we are con-cerned with the transmission of force and the factors which affect the forces in liquids. Additionally, pressure in and on liquids and factors affecting pressure are of great im-portance. The terms force and pressure are used extensively in the study of fluid power. It is essential that we distinguish between the terms.
Force means a total push or pull.
It is the push or pull exerted against the total area of a particular surface and is expressed in pounds or grams. Pressure maybe exerted in one direction, in several directions, or in all directions. Computing Force, Pressure, and Area A formula is used in computing force, pressure, and area in fluid power systems. In this formula, P refers to pressure, F indicates force, and A represents area. Force equals pressure times area.