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Water Flow Experiment: Physics Investigatory Project P

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8 views12 pages

Water Flow Experiment: Physics Investigatory Project P

Uploaded by

Adhya Misra
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Physics Investigatory Project

P
Water Flow experiment
INDEX
1. Introduction .............................................. Page 5
2. Apparatus....................... Page 6
3. Theory................. Page 7
P
4. Observations..................... Page 8
5. Calculations......................... Page 9,10
6. Readings ................... Page 10
7. Conclusion..................... Page 11
8.Precautions and Sources of error............................. Page 12
9. Real Life Applications.......................................... Page 13
10. Choice of project............................ Page 14
11.Blibliography ................................................... Page 15

Introduction
 Pressure in fluids
The force per unit area exerted on an object in a fluid
or on the surface of a closed container. Pressure in
fluids increases with depth, and is the same at all
points on a horizontal plane in a stationary liquid. The
pressure at the bottom of a container is the sum of
atmospheric pressure and the weight of the fluid
divided by the area.
 Atmospheric pressure
The force per unit area exerted on the Earth's surface
by the weight of the air column that surrounds the
Earth. The Earth is surrounded by an atmosphere of air
that extends up to about 300 km from the surface.
 Surface Tension
The attraction force exerted by the molecules at the
surface of the liquid towards one another is known as
its surface tension. It is the property of the surface of a
liquid that allows it to resist an external force, due to
the cohesive nature of its molecules

Apparatus
Empty bottle (transparent), any water colour,
needle, transparent bowl, a very thin transparent
tube/ plastic straw
Theory
 Air Pressure:
When the cap is closed, the atmospheric
pressure outside the bottle balances the
pressure inside. Water cannot flow out
because no air can enter to replace it, creating
a partial vacuum that resists water flow.

 Surface Tension:
At the hole, water molecules stick together
due to cohesive forces. This surface tension
helps hold the water in place, resisting any
small pressure imbalance.

 Gravity:
Gravity pulls the water downward, but
without air replacing the water inside the
bottle, the flow is blocked. When the cap is
opened, air enters, breaking the vacuum, and
gravity drives the water out.

Observations
When the cap is closed and the hole
is poked:

 The water does not flow out of the hole because


there is no way for air to enter the bottle to
replace the water as it tries to leave.
 The air pressure outside the bottle is balanced by
the atmospheric pressure and the internal
pressure of the water.
 The surface tension of the water at the hole and
the lack of air flow into the bottle prevent the
water from escaping.

When the cap is opened:

 Opening the cap allows air to enter the bottle,


equalizing the pressure inside and outside.
 Gravity pulls the water downward, and as air flows
in through the cap, it replaces the space left by the
water, allowing it to flow freely through the hole.

Conclusion
1. The water inside the bottle is held in place
because atmospheric pressure outside
the bottle is pushing against the hole,
balancing the downward pull of gravity on
the water.
Inside the sealed bottle, there is no way
for air to enter to replace the water that
might try to escape. This creates a partial
vacuum inside the bottle, which resists
water flow.

2. At the hole, surface tension (the cohesive


force between water molecules) acts like
a "seal," preventing the water from
dripping out. These cohesive forces are
strong enough to resist the small pressure
imbalance caused by poking the hole.

Precautions
 Avoid Excessively Large Holes:
A very large hole might disrupt the balance of
forces and make it harder to observe the effects of
air pressure and surface tension.
 Conduct in a Controlled Environment:
Perform the experiment indoors or in a space
without strong winds, which could influence water
flow.

Sources of Error
 Air Leaks:
If the bottle or cap is not airtight, air might slowly
enter, allowing water to flow even when the cap is
closed.
 Misalignment of Hole with Water Level:
If the hole is too close to the water surface or
above it, gravity's effect might not be sufficient to
observe proper flow dynamics.

Real Life
Application
1. Liquid Packaging and Dispensing
o Juice boxes, ketchup bottles, and other
squeeze dispensers rely on controlling air
pressure and liquid flow.
o Sealed bottles (e.g., soda bottles) prevent
liquid from leaking by trapping air inside, just
like the capped bottle.

2. Water Tanks and Reservoirs


Elevated water tanks use similar principles to
distribute water to homes and industries. The
height of the tank creates pressure, and air
equalization ensures smooth flow.

Choice of Project
For the air pressure and water flow experiment,
the Water Bottle Flow Experiment or Siphon
System are simple and effective projects to
demonstrate these principles. They allow for
hands-on exploration of air pressure, gravity, and
surface tension, offering clear demonstrations of
these concepts in action.
Bibliography
Khan Academy – Fluid Dynamics
https://www.khanacademy.org/science/physics/
fluids
NASA – Atmospheric Pressure and Its Effects
https://www.nasa.gov/
"Surface Tension Explained" – YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=2dxkmmD9fuQ

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