Pressure Gradient Force

Difficulty: 1.5
Pressure Gradient Force
- a surface force
- force due to the pressure gradient

Difference Gradient
- actual difference - difference in relation to distance
of two values - final minus initial divided by the
- final minus initial distance between
Δ𝑥, ΔP, ΔT Δ𝑦 𝑑𝑦 𝛿𝑦
, ,
Δ𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝛿𝑥

- the main driver of horizontal wind

Derivation
(𝑥0 , 𝑦0 , 𝑧0 )

. 𝛿𝑧

𝛿𝑉 = 𝛿𝑥𝛿𝑦𝛿𝑧
𝛿𝑦
𝛿𝑥

The main goal is to have an equation for the net force experienced by the walls of the parcel

෍ 𝐹𝑥 ෍ 𝐹𝑦 ෍ 𝐹𝑧

𝑖Ƹ 𝑗Ƹ 𝑘෠

𝑭 = 𝐹𝑥 𝑖Ƹ + 𝐹𝑦 𝑗Ƹ + 𝐹𝑧 𝑘෠
So sa derivation, let’s imagine an air parcel na maga-represent sa atmosphere. Infinitesimal ang volume
𝛿𝑉 which means infinitesimal din ang length, width, and height niya na nirerepresent ng 𝛿𝑥, 𝛿𝑦, 𝛿𝑧
respectively. Also, ang center niya ay 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 , and 𝑧0 .

Sa fundamental forces, we always aim to get the net force experienced by the object. Specifically, need
na magamit yung Newton’s 2nd law.

Sa pagderive along multiple dimensions, dapat isa-isa lang, lalo na sa vectors. Remember na ang vector
ay may components along the cartesian plane. Component by component ang pagderive. So ang main
goal natin ay makuha yung

a. sum of forces sa x-direction represented by i-hat,

b. sum of forces along y-direction represented j-hat, and

c. sum of forces sa z-direction represented by k-hat.

Kapag nakuha na yung tatlo, pwede na mahanap yung buong force which is
𝑭 = 𝐹𝑥 𝑖Ƹ + 𝐹𝑦 𝑗Ƹ + 𝐹𝑧 𝑘෠
Derivation
(𝑥0 , 𝑦0 , 𝑧0 )

. 𝛿𝑧

𝛿𝑦
𝛿𝑥

Random collision of molecules imparts This momentum per unit time per unit area becomes:
momentum to the wall.
𝐹Ԧ
𝑝Ԧ = 𝑚𝑣Ԧ →𝑃
𝐴
This momentum per unit time becomes:
Pressure P is the force per unit area.
𝑑 𝑝Ԧ 𝑑
= 𝑚𝑣Ԧ
𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑡
𝑑𝑣 𝑑𝑚
𝐹Ԧ = 𝑚 +𝑣
𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑡
𝐹Ԧ = 𝑚𝑎Ԧ
So sabi daw, random collision of molecules imparts momentum to the parcel’s wall. 𝑝Ԧ = 𝑚𝑣Ԧ

Taking the derivative with respect to time, using product rule. Since hindi naman nagabago ang mass with
time, dm/dt is zero. Then, since ang derivative ng velocity with respect to time is acceleration, we get this:
the formula para sa force.

𝑑 𝑝Ԧ 𝑑
= 𝑚𝑣Ԧ
𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑡
𝑑𝑣 𝑑𝑚
𝐹Ԧ = 𝑚 +𝑣
𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑡
𝐹Ԧ = 𝑚𝑎Ԧ

Now, dividing the force by area, we get pressure. Momentum per unit time per unit area. Or Pressure is the
force per unit area.

𝐹Ԧ
→𝑃
𝐴
Derivation

𝛿𝑧

𝑩 . 𝑨

𝛿𝑦

𝛿𝑥
Lahat ng faces ng cube, nakaka-experience ng
pressure galing sa labas. And notice na tiga-dalawa
ang faces kada direction. Dalawa sa x-direction and
so on. Let’s name yung dalawang faces A and B.

Focus muna sa x-direction kaya titingin tayo sa front

view.
Derivation
Front view

To know the net force in the x-direction, we must know

the pressure. (According to 𝐹 = 𝑃𝐴)

𝐹𝐵𝑥
. 𝐹𝐴𝑥
𝐹𝐵𝑥 must be positive. 𝐹𝐴𝑥 must be negative.

Although we refer to pressure from the outside, we can

use the pressure function inside (because of Newton’s
3rd Law).

𝛿𝑥
That pressure function can be found by Taylor series
𝛿𝑥 𝛿𝑥 Expansion.
−
2 2
 𝛿𝑥
The distance from the two walls is 𝛿𝑥. Ibig sabihin, distance from the center to face B is − 2
. And
𝛿𝑥
distance from center to face A is .
2

Para malaman ang net force in the x-direction, need muna malaman ang pressure since

𝐹
𝑃=
𝐴
𝐹 = 𝑃𝐴

Also notice na based sa direction, ang force sa B must be positive and ang force sa A must be negative.

Now, para malaman yung pressure function na galing sa labas, gagamitin natin yung galing sa loob. This is
true because of Newton’s 3rd law which states na for every force, there is an equal force in the opposite
direction. That pressure function can be approximated by the taylor series expansion.
Derivation
Front view
Let:

𝑃0 = 𝑃(𝑥0 , 𝑦0 , 𝑧0 )

𝐹𝐵𝑥
.
(𝑥0 , 𝑦0 , 𝑧0 ) 𝐹𝐴𝑥 The pressure functions from the center to the walls are:

𝛿𝑥
For 𝑃𝐴 : 𝑃(𝑥0 + , 𝑦0 , 𝑧0 )
2
𝛿𝑥
For 𝑃𝐵 : 𝑃(𝑥0 − , 𝑦0 , 𝑧0 )
𝛿𝑥 2
𝛿𝑥 𝛿𝑥
− +
2 2
Para magamit ang Taylor series expansion, need muna ng
function. Una, let us indicate na yung pressure sa center is
𝑃0 . Then, yung pressure functions ng mga nasa walls must
𝛿𝑥
be: for face A is this (notice yang + 2 ), and for face B is this
𝛿𝑥
(notice yang − 2 ).
Derivation
Front view 𝛿𝑥
For 𝑃𝐴 : 𝑃(𝑥0 + , 𝑦0 , 𝑧0 )
2
𝛿𝑥
For 𝑃𝐵 : 𝑃(𝑥0 − , 𝑦0 , 𝑧0 )
2
𝐹𝐵𝑥
.
(𝑥0 , 𝑦0 , 𝑧0 ) 𝐹𝐴𝑥

Applying the Taylor series expansion:

𝑓′ 𝑥 𝑓 ′′ 𝑥
𝑓 𝑥 + Δ𝑥 ≈ 𝑓 𝑥 + Δ𝑥 + Δ𝑥 2 + ⋯
1! 2!
𝛿𝑥 Taking the derivatives with respect to x:

𝛿𝑥 𝛿𝑥 𝜕𝑃 𝛿𝑥 𝜕 2 𝑃 𝛿𝑥 2
− + 𝑃𝐴 = 𝑃0 + + 2 +⋯
2 2 𝜕𝑥 2 𝜕𝑥 4

𝜕𝑃 𝛿𝑥 𝜕 2 𝑃 𝛿𝑥 2
𝑃𝐵 = 𝑃0 + − + 2 +⋯
𝜕𝑥 2 𝜕𝑥 4
Using yung mga functions na nakuha natin, we Sa paggamit ng Taylor series expansion,
apply Taylor series expansion. Which is follow mo lang yung colored na terms.
𝑓′ 𝑥 𝑓 ′′ 𝑥
𝑓 𝑥 + Δ𝑥 ≈ 𝑓 𝑥 +
1!
Δ𝑥 +
2!
Δ𝑥 2 + ⋯ Ang meaning ng apostrophes ay derivative
with respect to x. (Pwede naman ibang
variables bukod sa x. Nagkataon lang na
Itong formula is actually slightly iba sa usual na nasa x-direction tayo naka-base.)
Taylor’s expansion na
𝜕𝑃 𝛿𝑥 𝜕 2 𝑃 𝛿𝑥 2
𝑃𝐴 = 𝑃0 + + 2 +⋯
𝜕𝑥 2 𝜕𝑥 4

𝜕𝑃 𝛿𝑥 𝜕 2 𝑃 𝛿𝑥 2
𝑃𝐵 = 𝑃0 + − + 2 +⋯
𝜕𝑥 2 𝜕𝑥 4

Yung ‘original’ is used to approximate at a point Partial derivatives ang ginamit since we’re in
while ‘yung former is used to approximate 3 dimensions.
across a distance or between two points.
Pero same lang naman in essence. In fact,
naderive yung 1st formula sa ‘original’.
Derivation
Front view Because 𝛿𝑥 is already so small, 𝛿𝑥 2 and any
higher degree wouldn’t make much sense.

𝜕𝑃 𝛿𝑥 𝜕 2 𝑃 𝛿𝑥 2
𝑃𝐴 = 𝑃0 + + +⋯
𝜕𝑥 2 𝜕𝑥 2 2
𝐹𝐵𝑥
.
(𝑥0 , 𝑦0 , 𝑧0 ) 𝐹𝐴𝑥
𝑃𝐵 = 𝑃0 +
𝜕𝑃
−
𝛿𝑥
+
𝜕 2 𝑃 𝛿𝑥 2
+⋯
𝜕𝑥 2 𝜕𝑥 2 2

Simplifying:

𝜕𝑃 𝛿𝑥
𝑃𝐴 = 𝑃0 +
𝛿𝑥 𝜕𝑥 2
𝛿𝑥 𝛿𝑥 𝜕𝑃 𝛿𝑥
− + 𝑃𝐵 = 𝑃0 −
2 2 𝜕𝑥 2
Derivation
Front view Substituting 𝑃𝐴 and 𝑃𝐵 to 𝐹 = 𝑃𝐴. Where 𝐴 = 𝛿𝑦𝛿𝑧

𝜕𝑃 𝛿𝑥
𝐹𝐴𝑥 = − 𝑃0 + 𝛿𝑦𝛿𝑧
𝜕𝑥 2

𝜕𝑃 𝛿𝑥
𝐹𝐵𝑥
.
(𝑥0 , 𝑦0 , 𝑧0 ) 𝐹𝐴𝑥 𝐹𝐵𝑥 = 𝑃0 −
𝜕𝑥 2
𝛿𝑦𝛿𝑧

Getting the sum of forces in the x-direction:

෍ 𝐹𝑥 = 𝐹𝐴𝑥 + 𝐹𝐵𝑥
𝛿𝑥
𝜕𝑃 𝛿𝑥 𝜕𝑃 𝛿𝑥
𝛿𝑥 𝛿𝑥 𝐹𝑥 = − 𝑃0 + 𝛿𝑦𝛿𝑧 + 𝑃0 − 𝛿𝑦𝛿𝑧
− + 𝜕𝑥 2 𝜕𝑥 2
2 2

𝜕𝑃
𝐹𝑥 = − 𝛿𝑥𝛿𝑦𝛿𝑧
𝜕𝑥
Derivation
Dividing both sides by unit mass m:

𝐹𝑥 𝜕𝑃 𝛿𝑥𝛿𝑦𝛿𝑧
=−
𝑚 𝜕𝑥 𝑚

𝑚
Since 𝜌 = 𝑉 , then:

𝐹𝑥 𝜕𝑃 𝛿𝑉
=−
𝛿𝑧 𝑚 𝜕𝑥 𝑚
.
𝐹𝑥 𝜕𝑃 1
=−
𝑚 𝜕𝑥 𝜌

Doing the same process for y and z-direction:

𝛿𝑦
𝐹𝑦 𝜕𝑃 1 𝐹𝑧 𝜕𝑃 1
𝛿𝑥 =− =−
𝑚 𝜕𝑦 𝜌 𝑚 𝜕𝑧 𝜌
Derivation

Adding all the components: 𝑭 = 𝐹𝑥 𝑖Ƹ + 𝐹𝑦 𝑗Ƹ + 𝐹𝑧 𝑘෠

𝐹𝑥 𝜕𝑃 1 𝐹𝑦 𝜕𝑃 1 𝐹𝑧 𝜕𝑃 1
=− =− =−
𝑚 𝜕𝑥 𝜌 𝑚 𝜕𝑦 𝜌 𝑚 𝜕𝑧 𝜌

𝑭 𝜕𝑃 1 𝜕𝑃 1 𝜕𝑃 1
=− 𝑖Ƹ − 𝑗Ƹ − 𝑘෠
𝑚 𝜕𝑥 𝜌 𝜕𝑦 𝜌 𝜕𝑧 𝜌

𝑭 1 𝜕𝑃 𝜕𝑃 𝜕𝑃
=− 𝑖Ƹ + 𝑗Ƹ + 𝑘෠
𝑚 𝜌 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧

𝑭 1 𝜕 𝜕 𝜕
= − ∇𝑃 ∇= 𝑖Ƹ + 𝑗Ƹ + 𝑘෠
𝑚 𝜌 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧
Why divide ng mass?
𝐹
For atmospheric purposes, need na ang force is per unit mass 𝑚. Mas convenient kasi kapag embedded
na ang mass. Additionally, this allows the presence of density which is easier to measure or be computed.

Bakit may negative sign sa formula?

It indicates ang direction ng force which is always palayo sa high pressure. You can actually try to
compute it.
Una, if mas mataas 𝑃1 sa 𝑃2 which means: L H , negative ang PGF.
Kapag naman mas mataas 𝑃2 sa 𝑃1 , magiging: H L , positive ang PGF.

Very important na malaman na di naga-depend ang PGF sa actual value ng pressure. Naga-depend ang
PGF sa PRESSURE GRADIENT.
Implication

L H

San pupunta air parcel?

Solve it part by part.

San papunta sa x-coordinate? Left

L
San papunta sa y-coordinate? Forward
H San papunta sa z-coordinate? Upward
Pano ang resultant PGF? Diagonally
upward and forward