Fluid Pressure: 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 a qualitative model to be constructed.

Prior Knowledge

  1. Knowledge of kinematics.
  2. Newton's Laws.
  3. Maybe impulse and momentum?
  4. Need to understand pressure.

Description of the Experiment

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

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Questions

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


  • Approximately what is the velocity of the water inside the bottle?


  • What caused the velocity of the water to change?


  • Considering that the holes all have the same size, can you form a rough (qualitative) model of how the pressure in the water varies with depth?