2020

PRESSURE

TEACHERS OF PHYSICS

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11/23/2020
 PRESSURE IN SOLIDS
1. Define pressure and state its SI units. (2 marks)
➢ Force acting normally per unit area
➢ SI unit is newton per square metre
2. Ploughing tractors have very wide tyres. Explain why. (2 marks)
➢ Pressure in solids decreases with increase in area of contact. These tractors have
wide tyres to reduce the pressure exerted by the tractor on the ground
3. What is the reason why a trailer carrying heavy loads have many wheels? (2 marks)
➢ The many wheels increases the area of contact between the lorry and
the road which reduces the pressure exerted by the lorry on the road.
This prevents the trailer from sinking as it moves and also minimises
road damage.
4. A student wearing sharp pointed heeled stiletto shoes is likely to damage a soft wooden
floor. Explain. (2 marks)
➢ Sharp pointed heels have small area of contact hence the pressure exerted on soft
wooden floor is large thus damaging it.
5. A block of dimension 0.2m by 0.1m by 5cm has a mass of 500g and rests on a flat
surface. Determine the least pressure that can be exerted by the block on the surface.
Least pressure is exerted by maximum area.
Maximum area = 10 𝑐𝑚 × 0.5 𝑐𝑚 = 5 𝑐𝑚2
Area in 𝑚2 = 5 × 10−4 𝑚2

Force =

Pressure =
= 1 × 104 𝑁𝑚−2
6. A box of mass 720kg is placed on a table. If the area of contact in the table is 1.8 𝑚2.
Calculate the pressure it exerts on the table.
Force = 𝑚𝑔 = 720 × 10 = 7200 𝑁

Pressure =
7. A metallic block of mass 50kg exerts a pressure of 10N/m2 on the surface. Determine the
area of contact between the block and the surface. Area = 𝐹𝑜𝑟𝑐𝑒
𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒

Force = 50 × 10 = 500 𝑁

Area =

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8. A block measuring 20cm by 10cm by 4cm rests on a flat surface. The block has a weight
of 6N. Determine:
i. The minimum pressure it exerts on the surface. (2 marks)

Maximum area =

ii. The density of the block in 𝑘𝑔/𝑚3 (3 marks)

Density =

Mass =
Volume = 0.2 × 0.1 × 0.04 = 0.0008 𝑚3

Density =
9. A block of mass 60kg measures 6cm by 5cm by 4cm. Calculate
i. The maximum pressure it can exert.

𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑐𝑒 = 𝑚𝑔
= 60 × 10 = 600𝑁

ii. The minimum pressure.

10. A man of mass 80kg exerts a pressure of 200,000Pa on the ground while standing on
both feet.
i. Calculate the area of each foot.
Force = 𝑚𝑔 = 80 × 10 = 800𝑁

Area =

Area of each foot = 0 .

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 ii. How much pressure would be exert if he stands on

one foot?

= 400 000 𝑁𝑚−2

11. (a) A woman wearing shoes with sharp pointed heels exerts more pressure than an
elephant. Explain? (1 mark)
➢ Shoes with sharp pointed heels have small area of contact with the ground which
results to large pressure being exerted on the ground unlike the broad feet of an
elephant which results to low pressure being exerted on the ground due to large
area of contact.
(b) If the weight of the woman is 600N and her heel have an area of 1.0 𝑐𝑚2 each and the
elephant has a weight of 30,500N and each feet has an area of 730 𝑐𝑚2, Calculate by
how much more the woman exerts pressure on the ground than the elephant. (2 marks)
Pressure exerted by woman
Force = 600 N
Area = 2 × 1.0 = 2.0 𝑐𝑚2 = 0.0002 𝑚2

Pressure =

Pressure exerted by elephant

Force = 30 500 N

Area =

Pressure =

Difference in pressure = 3 000 000 − 104 452 = 2 895 548 𝑃𝑎

12. A pick – up carrying stones weighs 20,000N. The weight is evenly spread across the four
tyres. The area of contact of each tire with the ground is 0.025𝑚2. Calculate the pressure
exerted by each tire on the ground.
Pressure =

= 800 000𝑁𝑚−2

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13. A pickup of mass 2 000 kg has four similar tyres. If the pressure exerted by each tyre on
the ground is 500,000𝑁𝑚−2, calculate the area of each tyre in contact with the ground.
Area =
Force = 2000 × 10 = 20 000𝑁

Area =

PRESSURE IN FLUIDS
1. Name two factors that affect pressure in fluids. (2 marks)
➢ Depth/ height of fluid column
➢ Density of the fluid
2. State two true facts about pressure in liquids. (2 marks)
➢ Pressure increases with increase in depth
➢ Pressure increases with increase in density
3. Other than the density and the depth, state any other factor that affects the pressure of a
fluid. (1 mark)
➢ Gravitational field strength
4. A cylindrical container has a base area of 150𝑐𝑚2 and is filled with water to a depth of
25 cm. Find the pressure due to water on the base (2 marks)
Pressure due to liquid = 𝜌ℎ𝑔
Density of water,𝜌 = 1 000𝑘𝑔𝑚−3
Height,ℎ = 0.25𝑚
Gravitational field strength, 𝑔 = 10𝑁𝐾𝑔−1
Pressure = 1000 × 0.25 × 10 = 2 500 𝑁𝑚−2
5. Explain why a hole in a ship near the bottom is more dangerous than near the surface.
(1 mark)
➢ Since pressure increases with depth, a hole near the bottom will let in water at a
higher pressure than the one near the surface.
6. Water dams are built with thicker walls at the bottom than at the top. Explain why.
(2 marks)
➢ Pressure exerted by water at the bottom is larger than at the surface. Thicker walls
makes the dam able to counter the pressure.
7. Water tanks in houses are erected as high as possible. Explain. (1 mark)
➢ To increase pressure of water coming out of the tap.
8. Explain why a hole in a ship near the surface is less dangerous than one near the bottom.
(1 mark)

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9. A drum which is 2m high contains water to a depth of 0.5 m and oil of density 0.5 g/cm3
extends to the top. Find the pressure exerted at the bottom of drum by the two liquids.
(3 marks)
Total pressure = pressure due to water + pressure due to oil
= (1000 × 0.5 × 10) + (500 × 1.5 × 10)
= 5000 + 7500
= 12 500𝑁𝑚−2
10. The reading of mercury barometer is at 70.0cm. What is the pressure at the place in
𝑁/𝑚2. {Assume density of mercury is 1.36 × 104 kg/m3} (3 marks)
Pressure = 𝜌ℎ𝑔
= 1.36 × 104 × 0.7 × 10
= 95 200 𝑁/𝑚2
11. A submarine is 30m below sea water of density 𝟏𝒈/𝒄𝒎𝟑. If the atmospheric pressure at
the place is equivalent to 760mmHg. Find the total pressure acting on the submarine
(Take density of mercury =13600kg/m3) (4 marks)
Total pressure = atmospheric pressure + pressure due to column of water
= (𝟏𝟑𝟔𝟎𝟎 × 𝟎. 𝟕𝟔 × 𝟏𝟎) + (𝟏𝟎𝟎𝟎 × 𝟑𝟎 × 𝟏𝟎)
= 𝟏𝟎𝟑 𝟑𝟔𝟎 + 𝟑𝟎𝟎 𝟎𝟎𝟎
= 𝟒𝟎𝟑 𝟑𝟔𝟎𝑵𝒎−𝟐
12. A submarine is 40m below sea water of density 1020 kg/m3. If the atmospheric pressure
at the place is 103,000Pa, calculate the total pressure acting on the submarine. (4 marks)
Total pressure = atmospheric pressure + pressure due to column of water
= 𝟏𝟎𝟑 𝟎𝟎𝟎 + (𝟏𝟎𝟐𝟎 × 𝟒𝟎 × 𝟏𝟎)
= 𝟏𝟎𝟑 𝟎𝟎𝟎 + 𝟒𝟎𝟖 𝟎𝟎𝟎
= 𝟓𝟏𝟏 𝟎𝟎𝟎𝑵𝒎−𝟐
13. A submarine is 20m below sea water of density 1000 kg/m3. If the atmospheric pressure
at the place is 102,000Pa, calculate the total pressure acting on the submarine.
Total pressure = atmospheric pressure + pressure due to column of water
= 𝟏𝟎𝟐 𝟎𝟎𝟎 + (𝟏𝟎𝟎𝟎 × 𝟐𝟎 × 𝟏𝟎)
= 𝟏𝟎𝟐 𝟎𝟎𝟎 + 𝟐𝟎𝟎 𝟎𝟎𝟎
= 𝟑𝟎𝟐 𝟎𝟎𝟎𝑵𝒎−𝟐

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14. A boy is swimming 25m below water level of density 1g/cm3. The atmospheric pressure
at this place is equivalent to 72cmHg. Calculate the total pressure on his body in N/m2
(take ρ for mercury = 13600kg/m3)
Total pressure = atmospheric pressure + pressure due to column of water
= (𝟏𝟑𝟔𝟎𝟎 × 𝟎. 𝟕𝟐 × 𝟏𝟎) + (𝟏𝟎𝟎𝟎 × 𝟐𝟓 × 𝟏𝟎)
= 𝟗𝟕 𝟗𝟐𝟎 + 𝟐𝟓𝟎 𝟎𝟎𝟎
= 𝟑𝟒𝟕 𝟗𝟐𝟎𝑵𝒎−𝟐
15. A water tank of height 4.8m is ¾ full. Determine the force exerted on a thin metal plate
resting flat at the bottom of the tank if the plate has an area of 2cm2. The density of water
is 1000kg/m3 and the atmospheric pressure =104,000 Pa.
Total pressure = atmospheric pressure + pressure due to column of water
= 𝟏𝟎𝟒 𝟎𝟎𝟎 + (𝟏𝟎𝟎𝟎 × 𝟑. 𝟔 × 𝟏𝟎)
= 𝟏𝟎𝟒 𝟎𝟎𝟎 + 𝟑𝟔 𝟎𝟎𝟎
= 𝟏𝟒𝟎 𝟎𝟎𝟎𝑵𝒎−𝟐
𝑭𝒐𝒓𝒄𝒆 = 𝑷𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒆 × 𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒂
= 𝟏𝟒𝟎 𝟎𝟎𝟎 × 𝟐 × 𝟏𝟎−𝟒
= 𝟐𝟖 𝑵

16. A water tank of height full. Determine the force exerted on a thin metal plate
resting flat at the bottom of the tank if the plate has an area of 0.5m2. Take acceleration
due to gravity, g = 10m/s2, the density of water to be 1000kg/m3 and the atmospheric
pressure P =100,000 Pa (3 marks)
Total pressure = atmospheric pressure + pressure due to column of water
= 𝟏𝟎𝟎 𝟎𝟎𝟎 + (𝟏𝟎𝟎𝟎 × 𝟒. 𝟖 × 𝟏𝟎)
= 𝟏𝟎𝟎 𝟎𝟎𝟎 + 𝟒𝟖 𝟎𝟎𝟎
= 𝟏𝟒𝟖 𝟎𝟎𝟎𝑵𝒎−𝟐
𝑭𝒐𝒓𝒄𝒆 = 𝑷𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒆 × 𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒂
= 𝟏𝟒𝟖 𝟎𝟎𝟎 × 𝟎. 𝟓
= 𝟕𝟒 𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝑵

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17. The height of mercury column in a barometer is found to be 76cm at a certain place.
What would be the height on a water barometer in the same place? (Density of water is
1000kg/m3 and density of mercury is 13600kg/m3).
𝑃𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑑𝑢𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑐𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑛 𝑜𝑓 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 = 𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑑𝑢𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑐𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑛 𝑜𝑓 𝑚𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑦
1000 × ℎ × 10 = 13600 × 0.76 × 10

= 10.336 𝑚
18. The height of mercury column in a barometer, at a place is 64cm. What would be the
height of a column of paraffin in the barometer at the same place? (Take density of
mercury =13600kgm-3 and density of paraffin = 800 kg /m3).
𝑃𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑑𝑢𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑐𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑛 𝑜𝑓 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑎𝑓𝑓𝑖𝑛 = 𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑑𝑢𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑐𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑛 𝑜𝑓 𝑚𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑦
800 × ℎ × 10 = 13600 × 0.64 × 10

= 10.88 𝑚
19. A hole of diameter 1.0mm is made in the side of a water pipe. If the pressure of the flow
is maintained at 3.0 x 106 Nm-2, calculate the force with which the water jets out of the
hole. (3 marks)
Cross sectional area of hole =
𝐹𝑜𝑟𝑐𝑒 𝑒𝑥𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑒𝑑 = 𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒 × 𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑎
= 3.0 × 106 × 7.857 × 10−7
= 2.3571 𝑁
20. A hole of area 200mm2 at the bottom of a tank 4.0m deep is closed with a cork.
Determine the force due to water (Density of water is 1000kg/m3, and acceleration due
to gravity is 10m/s2
Pressure due to water = 𝜌ℎ𝑔 = 1000 × 4 × 10 = 40 000 𝑁𝑚−2
Force = 𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒 × 𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑎
= 40 000 × 2 × 10−4
= 8𝑁

HYDRAULIC MACHINES
1. State the Pascal’s principle. (1 mark)
➢ For an enclosed fluid, pressure exerted at one point is equally transmitted to all
other parts of the same fluid.

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 2. Name two properties of a suitable hydraulic fluid. (2 marks)
The fluid should:-
• Be incompressible
• Have low freezing point and high boiling point.
• Not corrode the parts of the hydraulic system.
3. Give a reason why air is not commonly used as the fluid in a hydraulic lift. (1 mark)
It is compressible
4. Explain why brakes fail in a hydraulic brake system when air gets in to the system.
(2 marks)
Air makes the hydraulic fluid compressible. Pressure exerted at the master
cylinder is not evenly transmitted to the other parts of the system.
5. Explain why a liquid and not a gas must be used as the ‘fluid’ in a hydraulic machine.
(1 mark)
A gas can easily be compressed unlike a liquid.
6. The area of larger piston of a hydraulic press is 4m2 and that of the other piston is
0.05m2. A force of 100 N is applied on the smaller piston. How much force is
produced on the larger piston?

7. The areas of the piston of the smaller and larger pistons of a Hydraulic press are 4cm2
and 480cm2. Calculate the force applied on the smaller piston to raise a load of
8400N on the larger piston.

8. In a hydraulic machine, the pistons of two connected cylinders have radius of 10cm
and 100cm respectively. A force of 400N is applied on the smaller piston. Calculate
the force on the larger piston.

9. The figure 1 below shows a mass of 6 kg on piston B balanced by force F acting on

piston A.

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 Figure 1

Determine the value of the force F. (3 marks)

Pressure exerted at smaller piston A = Pressure exerted at smaller piston B

= 1.475 𝑁
10. Figure 2 shows a hydraulic press system using a lever of negligible mass on the side
of a small piston pivoted at point P. A force of l00N is applied at R.

Figure 2

Calculate the force F exerted by small piston on the liquid. (2 marks)

Applying principle of moments
𝑐𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑘𝑤𝑖𝑠𝑒 𝑚𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑠 = 𝐴. 𝑐𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑘𝑤𝑖𝑠𝑒 𝑚𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑠

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 11. (a) Figure 3 shows one form of hydraulic lifting device. The force A causes a pressure
in a liquid. The pressure moves the piston B.

Figure 3

Determine;
i. The pressure in the liquid (3
marks)

= 50 000𝑁𝑚−2
ii. The force pushing up on B. (3
marks) Pressure exerted on piston A = Pressure exerted on piston B

iii. Suggest with a reason what would happen if the liquid was replaced
with
air. (2 marks)
The object on piston B would be lifted a shorter distance. This is because
air is compressible hence pressure transmitted would be less.
(b) State principal of transmission of pressure in liquids. (1 mark)
➢ For an enclosed liquid, pressure exerted at one point is evenly distributed to all
other parts of the same liquid.

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 12. Figure 4 below is a simple hydraulic machine used to raise heavy loads.

i. Calculate the load (force) raised at B. (3

marks)

ii. Give two properties which make the oil suitable for use in this
machine.
(2 marks)
• Should be incompressible
• Does not corrode the parts of the system

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 U-TUBE
1. A vacuum pump was used to pump out air from the glass tube immersed in liquids as
shown in figure 1 below.

Paraffin level →→
→

Fig. 1
After sometime the level of water rose to position X. Mark Y the corresponding position
for the paraffin level. Give a reason for your answer. (2 marks)
➢ Y is above X --- paraffin is less dense than water.
2. A U-tube containing mercury is used as a manometer to measure the pressure of a gas in a
container. When the manometer has been connected and the tap opened, the mercury in the
U-tube settles as shown in the diagram below.

If the atmospheric pressure is 760 mmHg and the density of mercury is 13 600 kg/m3,
calculate the pressure of the gas in Pascals. (3 marks)
𝑷𝒈 = 𝑷𝒂 − 𝝆𝒉𝒈

= (0.76 × 13600 × 10) − (0.02 × 13600 × 10)

= 10336 − 272

= 10064 𝑃𝑎

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3. The U tube shown below contains mercury of density 13600 kg/m3 and is connected to a
laboratory gas supply.

If the atmospheric pressure is 75 cmHg, what is the pressure of the gas in:
i. cmHg (2 marks)
𝑷𝒈 = 𝑷𝒂 + 𝝆𝒉𝒈

= 15𝑐𝑚𝐻𝑔 + 75𝑐𝑚𝐻𝑔
= 90𝑐𝑚𝐻𝑔 ii. Pascal (Take g = 10N/kg)
(3 marks)
𝑃𝑔 = 0.90 × 13600 × 10

= 122 400 𝑃𝑎
4. In the figure 2, below, U-tube contains two immiscible liquids P and Q.

If the density of Q is 900kg/m³ and that of P is 1200kg / m³. Calculate the height of liquid
Q. (3 marks)

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 HEIGHT OF MOUNTAIN
1. The barometric height in a town is 65cmHg. Given that the standard atmospheric pressure is
76cmHg and the density of mercury is 13600kg/m3, determine the altitude of the town.
(Take density of air = 1.25 kg/m3) (3 marks)
Pressure difference due
air column Pressure
due column

2. A mountain climber with a mercury barometer discovered that the readings of the
barometer at the bottom and top of a certain mountain were 750mmHg and 520mmHg
respectively. Given that the density of air between the bottom and top of the mountain is
uniform and equal to 1.25 Kg/m3, estimate the height of the mountain. (Take the density
of mercury to be 1.36 x 104 Kg/m3). (3 marks)
Pressure difference due to air column Pressure due to column
(Height of the mountain) = of mercury

𝜌𝑎ℎ𝑎𝑔 = 𝜌𝑚ℎ𝑚𝑔

∴Height of the mountain is 2502.4 metres

3. The height of mercury column in a barometer is found to be 67cm at a certain place. What
would be the height on a water barometer in the same place? (Density of water is
1000kg/m3 and density of mercury is 13600 kg/m3). (3 marks)
due column

𝜌𝑤ℎ𝑤𝑔 = 𝜌𝑚ℎ𝑚𝑔

ℎ𝑤 × 1000 × 10 = 13600 × 0.67 × 10

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 ∴Height on a water barometer would be 9.112 metres

4. The height of mercury column in a barometer density 13600kg/ m-3, at a place is 64cm.
What would be the height of a column of paraffin in barometer at the same place?
(Density of paraffin = 𝟖. 𝟎 × 𝟏𝟎𝟐 kg /m3). (3 marks)

𝜌𝑚ℎ𝑚𝑔 = 𝜌𝑝ℎ𝑝𝑔

0.64 × 13600 × 10 = 800 × ℎ𝑝 × 10

∴Height of the paraffin column is 10.88 metres

5. The barometric height at sea level is 76cm of mercury while that at a point on a highland is
74cm of mercury. What is the altitude of the point? Take g = 10m/s2, density of mercury =
13600 Kg/m3 and density of air as 1.25 Kg/m3. (3 marks)
Pressure difference due to air
Pressure difference due to

𝜌𝑎ℎ𝑎𝑔 = 𝜌𝑚ℎ𝑚𝑔

∴Altitude of the point is 217.6 metres

ATM PRESSURE
1. Define the term atmospheric pressure and give its SI units (2 marks)
• Pressure exerted on the earth’s surface by the column of air above it. SI unit is
atmospheres (atm)
2. Explain why it may not be possible to suck a liquid into your mouth using drinking straw on
the surface of the moon. (1 mark)
• At the surface of the moon, the pull of gravity is too low to support a column of a
liquid.
3. A barometer was taken from Mount Kenya to Mombasa. Explain the change in mercury
level in the barometer. (2 marks)

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 • The height of the column of mercury supported while on Mount Kenya decreased
when the barometer was moved to Mombasa. This is because the atmospheric
pressure at Mombasa is greater than at Mount Kenya.
4. Explain why a partially inflated balloon released at sea level would become fully inflated
at a higher altitude. (1 mark)
• At higher altitude, the atmospheric pressure acting on the balloon is less than the gas
pressure inside the balloon.

5. Explain how a drinking straw is used to suck a liquid. (3 marks)

• When you suck the air inside the straw, pressure inside the straw decreases. The
atmospheric pressure acting on the surface of the liquid thus pushes the liquid into
the straw which in turn rises up the straw.
6. Give a reason why water is not a suitable liquid for use in a barometer. (1 mark)
• Water has a high freezing point and low boiling point
7. State one applications of atmospheric pressure. (1 mark)
• Siphon
• Drinking straw
• Force pump
• Lift pump Choose any
6. In an experiment to demonstrate atmospheric pressure, a plastic bottle is partially filled
with hot water and the bottle is then tightly corked. After some time, the bottle starts to
get deformed.
a. State the purpose of the hot water. (1 mark)
• To expel air out of the bottle thus creating a partial vacuum
b. State and explain the reason why the bottle gets deformed. (2 marks)
• The bottle crashes inwards. The pressure inside the bottle is less than the
atmospheric pressure acting on the outer walls of the bottle as a result the
walls are forcefully pushed inwards.

8. Explain why high flying aircraft need to be airtight and have pressurized cabins for
people. (1 mark)

9. A tin-can is partially filled with water and heated so that the water boils for some
time. Explain what happens to the can when closed tightly and allowed to cool.
(2 marks)
• Boiling water expels the air inside the can creating a near- vacuum.
When the can is closed and allowed to cool, it crashes.
• This is because the atmospheric pressure being greater than the pressure
inside the can pushes the walls of the can inwards.
10. Figure 5 shows a flask fitted with a tube dipped into a beaker containing water at
room temperature. The cork fixing the glass tube is tight.

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 State with reason what would be observed if cold water is poured on to the flask.
(2 marks)
• Water rises up the glass tube.
• Air inside the flask cools thus creating a low pressure region. Atmospheric
pressure acting on the surface of the water pushes the water into the tube.
11. Water jets out through small holes at the same height in a tall can as shown in figure
6.

a) State one conclusion that can be made from this observation. (1 mark)
Pressure on a liquid is equal at the same depth
b) Explain two adjustments that can be made to increase the distance x without
changing the type liquid or the position of the can. (2 marks)
Making the size of the hole (jet) smaller. Increasing the amount
of liquid in the container.
12. The bicycle pump shown in Figure 7 below is one of the applications of pressure in gases.

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 Explain how the leather washer functions during; (2 marks) (a)
Backstroke
During backstroke the pressure inside the barrel decreases. The washer which acts as
a valve opens. The atmospheric pressure being greater pushes air past the leather
washer into the barrel.
(b) Forward stroke
During forward stroke, the pressure between the washer and the valve increases thus
pushing the washer backwards. The washer bulges outwards touching the barrel
tightly thus pushing the air forward as the piston moves.

13. Fig. 8 shows a siphon setup.

Fig 8
It is observed that as the length h reduces, amount of the liquid pouring out also reduces.
Explain. (2 marks)

14. The figure below shows a lift pump, use it to answer the questions that follow.

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 Explain why, when the piston is;
I. Pulled upwards, valve A opens while valve B closes. (2 marks)
Pressure between A and B decreases. The atmospheric pressure acting on the surface
of water pushes the water past A thus opening it.
II. Pushed downwards, valve A closes while valve B opens. (2 marks)
Pressure between A and B increases thus pushing A downwards.

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