Fluid Pressure
Unit / Kinetic Theory
Enduring Understanding / The Kinetic Theory can explain the phases of matter, the energetics of reactions, and the forces of attraction between particles
SOL Objectives / CH.5 The student will investigate and understand that the phases of matter are explained by kinetic theory and forces of attraction between particles. Key concepts include
a) pressure, temperature, and volume;
Title / Fluid Pressure
Lesson Objective / Conduct an investigation to determine the effect of depth on fluid pressure.
Inquiry Level / 2
Materials Needed / · Large graduated cylinder
· Vernier pressure sensor
·
· Computer with LoggerPro data analysis software
How is it Level 2? / Guided Inquiry:
Teacher generated question.
Supplies and general process offered to students.
Students generate procedure and determine type of data analysis to use to demonstrate relationship.
Fluid Pressure
Objective: Students will design an experiment to determine the relationship between depth of fluid and pressure.
Introduction: Pressure is defined as the Force applied per unit Area. Force in a fluid is exerted in all directions. You have probably noticed a change in the pressure related to depth when if you have ever swam to the bottom of a pool. You might notice the same type of change when flying in a plane or driving in a car up or down a big hill. Today you are to make a hypothesis about the relationship between depth of a fluid and the pressure exerted at that depth by the fluid.
General Procedure: The Vernier Gas Pressure Sensor can measure small changes in fluid pressure. If you fill a graduated cylinder with water, you could measure the pressure at various depths and then use that data to make a graph that will enable you to write a conclusion to explain how your data shows the relationship between depth and pressure.
Student Tasks:
1) Fill the graduated cylinder with water.
2) Connect the Gas Pressure sensor and observe the measurement.
3) Push the pressure sensor down into the water and note any changes.
a. What did you notice?______
4) If you do not notice a change be sure to notify your teacher before proceeding.
5) Look carefully at the tube of the gas pressure sensor as you push it down into the cylinder.
a. What do you notice?
6) How do you think the gas pressure sensor is measuring the pressure of the fluid?
7) When the pressure sensor is in the air it is already registering a pressure.
a. Why?
b. What Fluid is pressing on the sensor?
c. How can you change the data to reflect only the changes due to the depth of water?
8) Think about how you will collect the data to make your analysis.
Experimental Design: Write an experimental design to outline your experiment.
Procedure: Write a detailed procedure. Include # of trials and what analysis you will do to determine your conclusion.
Results: Make a data table of your results
Analysis: Construct a graph to illustrate the data you collected.
Conclusion: Explain what the data and graph show about the relationship between the depth of a fluid and the pressure exerted at that depth.