Can we discuss the fact that pressure is a scalar quantity?

Question

anonymous · Answer

Sure we can.. you must be wondering why when force is vector we choose pressure as scalar?
well the answer is very simple. We use the term pressure, only when we are dealing with fluids. And fluids put force in all direction and thus, net force is zero. But we do know that although the net force is zero, some sort of deformation will take place or some other effect. We are interested in this effect, (and not the dynamics of the body). For this reason we like to ignore the direction and only work with the scalar part of it.. the magnitude. Also when we talk about pressure, we always consider the component of the force that is perpendicular to the surface. (hence we always know the direction of forces acting)

the vector brother of pressure is Stress..!!

anonymous · Answer

atleast that is my understanding.. i wanna see if there are flaws in my concept, and anyone has a better view ! ;-)!

anonymous · Answer

in a fluid the pressure at a point is the same in any direction i.e., independent of direction and thus for convenience  can be " treated"  as a scalar quantity.

anonymous · Answer

@gleem "the pressure at a point is the same in any direction".. i don't think thats a valid statement.. cause pressure itself has no direction :D..
so you should talk about force.. and force is not the same in any direction.. 
but the direction that we are interested in , is perpendicular ..