Pressure

Contents & notes: what this topic covers

Under Pressure, the JAMB Physics syllabus expects you to study:

• 10. Pressure
• (a) Atmospheric Pressure
• (i) definition of atmospheric pressure;
• (ii) units of pressure (S.I) units (Pa);
• (iii) measurement of pressure;
• (iv) simple mercury barometer;
• aneroid barometer and manometer;
• (v) variation of pressure with height;
• (vi) the use of barometer as an altimeter.
• (b) Pressure in liquids
• (i) the relationship between pressure, depth and vi density (P = gh)
• (ii) transmission of pressure in liquids (Pascal’s Principle)
• (iii) application

Study notes & guidance

Study Pressure using a recommended Physics textbook that follows the JAMB syllabus. Work through the contents listed above one by one, make brief notes in your own words, and then practise as many questions on this topic as you can — in Physics, understanding and steady practice matter far more than memorising. Use the objectives below as a checklist: if you can do each one confidently, you have mastered this topic.

Objectives — candidates should be able to

After studying Pressure, you should be able to:

1. Recognize the S.I units of pressure (Pa);
2. Identify pressure measuring instruments;
3. Relate the variation of pressure to height;
4. Use a barometer as an altimeter;
5. Determine the relationship between pressure depth and density; vi apply the principle of transmission of pressure in liquids to solve problems;
6. Determine and apply the principle of pressure in liquid.

These objectives are from the official JAMB syllabus. Use them as a checklist — if you can do each one confidently, you have mastered this topic.

Source: official JAMB UTME Physics syllabus (IBASS, jamb.gov.ng). Reproduced for study use. Last checked: 17 Sept 2026. Always confirm the current syllabus on the official portal.