Holes in Soda Bottle: Qualitative Observational Experiment

Aim

The aim of this experiment is to discover how the pressure in a fluid varies with depth. The observations will only allow for a qualitative pattern.

Prior Knowledge

  1. Kinematics.
  2. Newton's Laws.
  3. Impulse and momentum?
  4. Physical quantity of pressure.

Description of the Experiment

Three equal size holes are punched at different heights into the side of a two-litre soda bottle.

Observe the jets of a liquid emerging from the three holes. Note how far they go.

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Questions

  • What is the purpose of keeping the top of the bottle open?


  • Can you rank the initial velocities of the jets from smallest to largest?


  • Why would the jets come from the holes? Why does the one from the bottom hole go farther?


  • Considering that the holes all have the same size, can you come up with a qualitative pattern how the pressure in the liquid varies with depth?