What term describes the force exerted by a gas per unit surface area of an object?

The term that describes the force exerted by a gas per unit surface area of an object is gas pressure. This fundamental concept in physics refers to the collisions of gas molecules with the surfaces of an object, resulting in an exerted force. When gas molecules move, they collide with surfaces, and as they do so, they impart momentum to those surfaces, creating pressure.

In atmospheric science and various applications, understanding gas pressure is crucial because it helps explain phenomena such as weather patterns and the behavior of gases in different environments. Gas pressure varies with changes in temperature, volume, and the amount of gas present according to the ideal gas law.

Vapor pressure specifically relates to the pressure exerted by a vapor in equilibrium with its liquid form, fluid pressure encompasses both liquids and gases, while static pressure generally refers to pressure in a fluid that is not moving. Hence, gas pressure is the most accurate term for the force exerted by a gas on surfaces.