Range problem: Testing Experiment

Aim

Test the relationship between the pressure in fluid at a particular level and the distance of this level from the top of the fluid.

Prior Knowledge

  1. A quantitative model of how pressure depends on depth in a fluid.
  2. Pressure.
  3. Newton's laws.
  4. Maybe impulse and momentum.
  5. Kinematics.
  6. Friction.

Description of the Experiment

To make a prediction you will need to find the exit speed of the jet of water as a funciton of the height of the hole using your knowledge of how the pressure in the fluid depends on depth. You then need to combine this with the kinematical prediction for the range of a horizonally launched projectile.

Addtional Information

Think of additional assumptions that you are making in your prediction. Think of how the outcome of the experiment will be diferent form the prediction if the assumptopons are not valid.

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Questions

This is an interesting problem. If you calculcated your prediction correctly and then measured the distnace of the jet, you will find that the distance travelled by the jet is well below what you would expect using the mathematical model for pressure-versus-height. What factors could contribute to the large dicrepancy between your model and the experiment? If you were struggling with the jeopardy problem, refer back to it now.