UNIT

3 FLUIDS

Learning Objectives

After completing this lesson, students will be able to

„„ define pressure in terms of weight.
„„ explain the variation of pressure with respect to depth in a fluid.
„„ learn the fact that liquid exerts an upward force on objects immersed in it.
„„ calculate the density of a liquid when pressure and altitude are given.
„„ learn the formula for finding the relative density of an object and apply the same.
„„ understand the behaviour of floating bodies.

Introduction why a camel can run in a desert easily? Why

a truck or a motorbus has wider tyre? Why
A small iron nail sinks in water, whereas a huge cutting tools have sharp edges? In order to
ship of heavy mass floats on sea water. Astronauts answer these questions and understand the
have to wear a special suit while traveling in space. phenomena involved, we need to learn about
All these have a common reason called ‘pressure’. two interrelated physical concepts called
If the pressure increases in a solid, based on its thrust and pressure.
inherent properties, it experiences tension and
ultimately deforms or breaks. In the case of fluids Activity 1
it causes them to flow rather than to deform.
Although liquids and gases share some common Stand on loose sand. Your feet go deep into
characteristics, they have many distinctive the sand. Now, lie down on the sand. What
happens? You will find that your body will
characteristics on their own. It is easy to compress
not go that deep into the sand. Why?
a gas whereas liquids are incompressible. Learning
of all these facts helps us to understand pressure
In both the cases of the above activity,
better. In this lesson you will study about pressure
the force exerted on the sand is the weight of
in fluids, density of fluids and their application in
your body which is the same. This force acting
practical life.
perpendicular to the surface is called thrust.
When you stand on loose sand, the force is
3.1  Thrust and Pressure acting on an area equal to the area of your feet.
When you lie down, the same force acts on an
Pushing a pin into a board by its head area of your whole body, which is larger than
is difficult. But pushing it by the pointed the area of your feet. Therefore, the effect of
end is easy. Why? Have you ever wondered thrust, depends on the area on which it acts.

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 The effect of thrust on sand is larger while 3.2  Pressure in Fluids
standing than while lying.
The force per unit area acting on an object All the flowing substances, both liquids
concerned is called pressure. Thus, we can say and gases are called fluids. Like solids, fluids
thrust on an unit area is pressure. also have weight and therefore exert pressure.
When filled in a container, the pressure of
Thrust the fluid is exerted in all directions and at all
Pressure =
Area of contact points of the fluid. Since the molecules of a
For the same given force, if the area is fluid are in constant, rapid motion, particles
large pressure is low and vice versa. This is are likely to move equally in any direction.
shown in Figure 3.1. Therefore, the pressure exerted by the fluid
acts on an object from all directions. It is
Low Pressure High Pressure shown in Figure 3.2. Pressure in fluids is
calculated as shown below.

Fluid Total force exerted by the fluid F

=
FigureLarge
3.1 area
Pressure dependsSmall
on area
area of Pressure = Area over which the force is A
exerted
application

In SI units, the unit of thrust is newton

(denoted as N). The unit of pressure is newton
per square metre or newton metre–2 (denoted
as Nm–2). In the honour of the great French Gas pressure
scientist, Blaise Pascal, 1 newton per square
metre is called as 1 pascal denoted as Pa. Gas molecules
1 Pa = 1 N m–2
Figure 3.2 Collision of molecules gives rise
If a single nail pricks our body (a) liquid to pressure
(b) gas
it is very painful. How is it
possible for people to lie down We shall first learn about the pressure
on a bed of nails, still remain unhurt? It is exerted by liquids and then learn about the
because, area of contact is more. pressure exerted by gases.

Problem 1 3.2.1 Pressure due to liquids

A man whose mass is 90 kg stands on his The force exerted due to the pressure of
feet on a floor. The total area of contact of a liquid on a body submerged in it and on the
his two feet with the floor is 0.036 m2 (Take, walls of the container is always perpendicular
g = 10 ms–2). How much is the pressure to the surface. In Figure 3.3(a), we can see the
exerted by him on the floor? pressure acting on all sides of the vessel.
Solution:
When an air filled balloon is immersed
The weight of the man (thrust), inside the water in a vessel it immediately comes
F = mg = 90 kg × 10 m s–2 = 900 N up and floats on water. This shows that water (or
900 N liquid) exerts pressure in the upward direction.
Pressure, P = F = = 25000 Pa
A 0.036 m2 It is shown in Figure 3.3(b).

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 (a) (b) (c)
Figure 3.3 Pressure due to fluids

Similarly, liquid pressure acts in lateral From this activity we can infer that pressure
sides also. When a bottle having water is pierced varies as depth increases. But, it is same at a
on the sides we can see water coming out with a particular depth independent of the direction.
speed as in Figure 3.3(c). This is because liquid
exerts lateral pressure on the walls the container. Activity 4

Take two liquids of different densities say

Activity 2
water and oil to a same level in two plastic
Take a transparent plastic pipe. containers. Make holes in the two containers
Also take a balloon and tie it at the same level. What do you see? It can be
tightly over one end of the seen that water is squirting out with more
plastic pipe. Pour some water pressure than oil. This indicates that pressure
in the pipe from the top. What happens? The depends on density of the liquid.
Characteristics of pressure in a liquid, Depends on density of liquid

balloon tied at the bottom stretches and bulges

out. It shows that the water poured in the pipe
exerts a pressure on the bottom of its container.

Cooking oil
3.2.2 F
 actors determining liquid
Water

pressure in liquids
3.2.3 Pressure due to a liquid
Pressure exerted by a liquid at a point is
column
determined by,
(i) depth (h) A tall beaker is filled with liquid so that it
(ii) density of the liquid (ρ) forms a liquid column. The area of cross section
(iii) acceleration due to gravity (g). at the bottom is A. The density of the liquid is ρ.
The height of the liquid column is h. In other
Activity 3 words the depth of the water from the top level
surface is 'h' as shown in Figure 3.4.
Take a large plastic can.
Punch holes with a nail
in a vertical line on the
side of the can as shown in figure. Then fill the
can with w­ ater. The water may just dribble out l h
V
from the top hole, but with increased speed at
A
the b
­ ottom holes as depth causes the water to
squirt out with more pressure. Figure 3.4 Pressure due to a liquid column
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 We know that, thrust at the bottom of the Figure 3.5 shows that air gets 'thinner' with
column (F) = weight of the liquid. increasing altitude. Hence, the atmospheric
Therefore, F = mg (1) pressure decreases as we go up in mountains.
On the other hand air gets heavier as we go
We can get the mass of the liquid by
down below sea level like mines.
multiplying the volume of the liquid and its
density.
Above each location on Earth is a column of air that
Mass, m = ρ V (2) stretches to the top of the atmosphere.

Volume of the liquid column, V

Air pressure and
= Area of cross section (A) × Height (h) = Ah (3) density are lower
at a high altitude
because a shorter
Substituting (3) in (2) column of air
pushes down.
Mass, m = ρAh (4)
Substituting (4) in (1)
Air pressure and
density are higher
Force = mg = ρAhg at sea level
because a taller
Thrust (F) mg ρ(Ah)g column of air
Pressure, P = = = = ρhg pushes down.
Area (A) A A
∴Pressure due to a liquid column, P = hρg sea level
This expression shows that pressure in a
liquid column is determined by depth, density
of the liquid and the acceleration due to gravity. Figure 3.5 Atmospheric pressure acts like a
Interestingly, the final expression for pressure column
does not have the term area A in it. Thus, pressure
in liquid depends on depth only. Human lung is well adapted to
breathe at a pressure of sea level
Problem 2 (101.3 k Pa). As the pressure
Calculate the pressure exerted by a column falls at greater altitudes, mountain climbers
of water of height 0.85 m (density of water, need special breathing equipments with
–3
ρw = 1000 kg m ) and kerosene of same oxygen cylinders. Similar special equipments
–3
height (density of kerosene, ρk = 800 kg m ) are used by people who work in mines where
the pressure is greater than that of sea level.
Solution:
Pressure due to water = hρwg
–3 –2
 = 0.85 m × 1000 kg m × 10 m s = 8500 Pa. 3.3.1 Measurement of
Pressure due to kerosene = hρkg atmospheric pressure
–3 –2
 = 0.85 m × 800 kg m × 10 ms = 6800 Pa. The instrument used to measure
atmospheric pressure is called barometer.
A mercury barometer, first designed by an
3.3  Atmospheric pressure
Italian Physicist Torricelli, consists of a long
Earth is surrounded by a layer of air up to glass tube (closed at one end, open at the
certain height (nearly 300 km) and this layer of other) filled with mercury and turned upside
air around the earth is called atmosphere of the down into a container of mercury. This is
earth. Since air occupies space and has weight, done by closing the open end of the mercury
it also exerts pressure. This pressure is called filled tube with the thumb and then opening
atmospheric pressure. The atmospheric pressure it after immersing it in to a trough of mercury
we normally refer is the air pressure at sea level. (Fig. 3.6).
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 Vacuum Problem 3
A mercury barometer in a physics laboratory
Pressure exerted shows a 732 mm vertical column of mercury.
by the column
of mercury Calculate the atmospheric pressure in pascal.
4 –3
[Given density of mercury, ρ = 1.36 × 10 kg m ,
760 mm –2
g = 9.8 m s ]
Atmospheric
pressure Solution:
Atmospheric pressure in the laboratory,
Surface of
mercury
P = hρg = 732 × 10–3 × 1.36 × 104 × 9.8
= 9.76 × 104 Pa (or) 0.976 × 105 Pa
Figure 3.6 Mercury barometer
The barometer works by balancing the
3.3.2 Gauge pressure and
mercury in the glass tube against the outside air
absolute pressure
pressure. If the air pressure increases, it pushes
more of the mercury up into the tub and if the air Our daily activities are happening in the
atmospheric pressure. We are so used to it that
pressure decreases, more of the mercury drains
we do not even realise. When tyre pressure
from the tube. As there is no air trapped in the
and blood pressure are measured using
space between mercury and the closed end,
instruments (gauges) they show the pressure
there is vacuum in that space. Vacuum cannot
over the atmospheric pressure. Hence,
exert any pressure. So the level of mercury in the
absolute pressure is zero-referenced against a
tube provides a precise measure of air pressure
perfect vacuum and gauge pressure is zero-
which is called atmospheric pressure. This type
referenced against atmospheric pressure.
of instrument can be used in a lab or weather
For pressures higher than atmospheric pressure,
station.
absolute pressure = atmospheric pressure +
On a typical day at sea level, the height of the
gauge pressure
mercury column is 760 mm. Let us calculate the
For pressures lower than atmospheric pressure,
pressure due to the mercury column of 760 mm
absolute pressure = atmospheric pressure –
which is equal to the atmospheric pressure.
gauge pressure
The density of mercury is 13600 kg m–3.
We have seen that liquid column exerts
Pressure, P = hρg pressure. So the pressure inside the sea will be
= (760 3 10–3m) 3 (13600 kgm–3) 3 (9.8 ms–2) more. This is more than twice the atmospheric
= 1.013 3 105 Pa. pressure. Parts of our body, especially blood
This pressure is called one atmospheric vessels and soft tissues cannot withstand such high
pressure (atm). There is also another unit called pressure. Hence, scuba divers always wear special
(bar) that is also used to express such high suits and equipment to protect them (Fig. 3.7).
values of pressure.
1 atm = 1.013 × 105 Pa.
1 bar = 1 × 105 Pa.
Hence, 1 atm = 1.013 bar.
Expressing the value in kilopascal gives
101.3 k Pa. This means that, on each 1 m2 of
Figure 3.7 Scuba divers with special
surface, the force acting is 1.013 k N. protecting equipment
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 Pressure on piston of small area ‘a’ is given by,
In petrol bunks, the tyre F1
pressure of vehicles is measured P= A  (1)
1
in a unit called psi. It stands for Applying Pascal’s law, the pressure on large
pascal per inch, an old system of unit for piston of area A will be the same as that on small
measuring pressure. F2
piston. Therefore, P = A (2)
2

3.4  Pascal's Law Comparing equations (1) and (2),we get

Pascal's principle is named after Blaise F1 F2 A2
Pascal (1623-1662), a French mathematician A1 = A2 . or F2 = F1 × A1
and physicist. The law states that the external
F2 F1
pressure applied on an incompressible liquid is
transmitted uniformly throughout the liquid.
Pascal’s law can be demonstrated with the help
of a glass vessel having holes all over its surface.
Fill it with water. Push the piston. The water A a
rushes out of the holes in the vessel with the
same pressure. The force applied on the piston P A2 P A1
exerts pressure on water. This pressure is
transmitted equally throughout the liquid in all
directions (Fig. 3.8). This principle is applied in
various machines used in our daily life. Figure 3.9 Hydraulic press
A2
Since, the ratio A is greater than 1, the
1
force F2 that acts on the larger piston is greater
than the force F1 acting on the smaller piston.
P
Hydraulic systems working in this way are
known as force multipliers.

Problem 4
A hydraulic system is used to lift a 2000 kg
Figure 3.8 Demonstration of Pascal’s Law vehicle in an auto garage. If the vehicle sits on
a piston of area 0.5 m2, and a force is applied to
3.4.1 Hydraulic press a piston of area 0.03 m2, what is the minimum
Pascal's law became the basis for one of the force that must be applied to lift the vehicle?
important machines ever developed, the hydraulic Given: Area covered by the vehicle on the
press. It consists of two cylinders of different piston A1 = 0.5 m2
cross-sectional areas as shown in Figure 3.9. They Weight of the vehicle, F1 = 2000 kg × 9.8 m s–2
are fitted with pistons of cross-sectional areas “a”
Area on which force F2 is applied, A2 = 0.03 m2
and 'A'. The object to be lifted is placed over the
piston of large cross-sectional area A. The force Solution:
F1 is applied on the piston of small cross-sectional F1 F2 F1
P1 = P2 ; A = A and F2 = A A2 ;
area 'a'. The pressure P produced by small piston is 1 2 1

transmitted equally to large piston and a force F2 0.03

F2 = (2000 × 9.8) = 1176 N
acts on A which is much larger than F1. 0.5

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 3.5  Density water at 4 °C is called the relative density. Thus
relative density of a substance is defined as ratio of
Activity 5 density of the substance to density of water at 4 °C.
Mathematically, relative density (R.D),
Take two identical flasks and fill one flask
Density of the substance
with water to 250 cm3 mark and the other =
Density of water at 4 °C
with kerosene to the same 250 cm3 mark. Mass
Measure them in a balance. The flask filled We know that, Density =
Volume
with water will be heavier than the one filled
with kerosene. Why? The answer is in fi
­ nding ∴ Relative density
the mass per unit volume of ­kerosene and Mass of the substance/Volume of the substance
=
water in respective flasks. Mass of water/Volume of water

kerosene Water
Since the volume of the substance is equal
to the volume of water,
Relative density
Mass of certain volume of substance
=
Mass of equal volume of water (at 4°C)
Thus, the ratio of the mass of a given volume
250 ml 250 ml
of a substance to the mass of an equal volume of
water at 4°C also denotes relative density.
280 g 330 g
3.5.2 Measurement of relative
To understand density better, let us assume density
that the mass of the flask be 80 g. So, the mass of Relative density can be measured using
the flask filled with water is 330 g and the mass of Pycnometer also called density bottle. It consists
flask filled with kerosene is 280 g. Mass of water of ground glass stopper with a fine hole through
only is 250 g and kerosene only is 200 g. Mass it. The function of the hole in a stopper is that,
per unit volume of water is 250/250 cm3. This when the bottle is filled and the stopper is
is 1g/cm3. Mass per unit volume of kerosene is inserted, the excess liquid rises through the hole
200 g/250 cm3. This is 0.8 g/cm3. The result 1 g/cm3 and runs down outside the bottle. By this way
and 0.8 gcm3 are the densities of water and kerosene the bottle will always contain the same volume
respectively. Therefore, the density of a substance is of whatever the liquid is filled in, provided the
the mass per unit volume of a given substance. temperature remains constant. Thus, the density
The SI unit of density is kilogram per meter of a given volume of a substance to the density
cubic (kg/m3) also gram per centimeter cubic of equal volume of referenced substance is called
(g/cm3). The symbol for density is rho (ρ). relative density or specific gravity of the given
substance. If the referenced substance is water
3.5.1 Relative Density then the term specific gravity is used.

We can compare the densities of two

substances by finding their masses. But, generally 3.5.3 Floating and sinking
density of a substance is compared with the Whether an object will sink or float in a
density of water at 4 °C because density of water liquid is determined by the density of the object
at that temperature is 1g/cm3. Density of any compared to the density of the liquid. If the
other substance with respect to the density of density of a substance is less than the density
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 of the liquid it will float. For example a piece of
wood which is less dense than water will float on Hydrometer

it. Any substance having more density than water

(for example, a stone), will sink into it.
23

Problem 5
You have a block of a mystery material, 12 cm 28

long, 11 cm wide and 3.5 cm thick. Its mass is

1155 grams. (a) What is its density? (b) Will
it float in a tank of water, or sink?
Lead shots

Solution:
Mass 1155g
(a) Density = =
Volume 12 cm × 11 cm × 3.5 cm
1155 g Figure 3.10 Hydrometer
= 3
462 cm
Hydrometers may be calibrated for different
= 2.5 g cm–3 uses such as lactometers for measuring the
density (creaminess) of milk, saccharometer for
(b) The mystery material is denser than the
measuring the density of sugar in a liquid and
water. So it sinks.
alcoholometer for measuring higher levels of
alcohol in spirits.
3.5.4 Application of principle
Lactometer
of flotation
One form of hydrometer is a lactometer,
Hydrometer
an instrument used to check the purity of milk.
A direct-reading instrument used for The lactometer works on the principle of gravity
measuring the density or relative density of the of milk.
liquid is called hydrometer. Hydrometer is based The lactometer consists of a long graduated
on the principle of flotation, i.e., the weight of test tube with a cylindrical bulb with the
the liquid displaced by the immersed portion graduation ranging from 15 at the top to 45 at
of the hydrometer is equal to the weight of the the bottom. The test tube is filled with air. This
hydrometer. air chamber causes the instrument to float. The
Hydrometer consists of a cylindrical stem spherical bulb is filled with mercury to cause
having a spherical bulb at its lower end and a the lactometer to sink up to the proper level and
narrow tube at its upper end. The lower spherical to float in an upright position in the milk.
bulb is partially filled with lead shots or mercury. Inside the lactometer there may be a
This helps hydrometer to float or stand vertically thermometer extending from the bulb up into
in liquids. The narrow tube has markings so that the upper part of the test tube where the scale
relative density of a liquid can be read directly. is located. The correct lactometer reading is
obtained only at the temperature of 60 °F. A
The liquid to be tested is poured into the lactometer measures the cream content of milk.
glass jar. The hydrometer is gently lowered in More the cream, lower the lactometer floats in
to the liquid until it floats freely. The reading the milk. The average reading of normal milk
against the level of liquid touching the tube is 32. Lactometers are used at milk processing
gives the relative density of the liquid. units and dairies.
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 3.6 Buoyancy
We already saw that a body experiences
an upward force due to the fluid surrounding,
when it is partially or fully immersed in to it. We
also know that pressure is more at the bottom
and less at the top of the liquid. This pressure
difference causes a force on the object and pushes
it upward. This force is called buoyant force and
the phenomenon is called buoyancy (Fig.3.11). Figure 3.12 Cartesian diver
Most buoyant objects are those with a
relatively high volume and low density. If the 3.7 Archimedes' Principle
object weighs less than the amount of water it has
displaced (density is less), buoyant force will be Archimedes principle is the consequence
more and it will float (such object is known as of Pascal’s law. According to legend, Archimedes
positively buoyant). But, if the object weighs more devised the principle of the 'hydrostatic balance'
than the amount of water it has displaced (density after he noticed his own apparent loss in weight
is more), buoyant force is less and the object will while sitting in his bath. The story goes that
sink (such object is known as negatively buoyant). he was so enthused with his discovery that he
jumped out of his bath and ran through the town,
Weight of object
shouting 'eureka'. Archimedes principle states
that ‘a body immersed in a fluid experiences a
vertical upward buoyant force equal to the weight
Object of the fluid it displaces’.
When a body is partially or completely
Buoyant immersed in a fluid at rest, it experiences an
Fluid force
upthrust which is equal to the weight of the fluid
displaced by it. Due to the upthrust acting on the
body, it apparently loses a part of its weight and
Figure 3.11 Buoyant force the apparent loss of weight is equal to the upthrust.

Salt water provides more

buoyant force than fresh ­water,
because, buoyant force depends
as much on the density of fluids as on the W1 = true weight
of object
W2 = Amount
of water displaced
volume displaced.

3.6.1 Cartesian diver Water

W2 displaced
Cartesian diver is an experiment that
demonstrates the principle of buoyancy. It is a Figure 3.13 Upthrust is equal to the weight of
pen cap with clay. The Cartesian diver contains the fluid displaced
just enough liquid that it barely floats in a bath
Thus, for a body either partially or
of the liquid; its remaining volume is filled with
completely immersed in a fluid,
air. When pressing the bath, the additional water
enters the diver, thus increasing the average Upthrust =
 Weight of the fluid displaced
density of the diver, and thus it sinks. = Apparent loss of weight of the body.
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 Apparent weight of an object ™™ The pressure exerted by the atmospheric
= True weight of an object in air gases on its surroundings and on the surface
– Upthrust (weight of water displaced) of the earth is called atmospheric pressure.
1 atm is the pressure exerted by a vertical
3.8 Laws of flotation column of mercury of 76 cm height.
Laws of flotation are: ™™ Barometer is an instrument used to measure
1. The weight of a floating body in a atmospheric pressure.
fluid is equal to the weight of the fluid ™™ The upward force experienced by a body
displaced by the body. when partly or fully immersed in a fluid is
2. The centre of gravity of the floating called upthrust or buoyant force.
body and the centre of buoyancy are in ™™ Cartesian diver is an experiment which
the same vertical line. demonstrates the principle of buoyancy and
The point through which the force of the ideal gas law.
buoyancy is supposed to act is known as centre ™™ Pascal’s law states that an increase in
of buoyancy. It is shown in Figure 3.14. pressure at any point inside a liquid at rest
is transmitted equally and without any
change, in all directions to every other point
in the liquid.
Underwater volume
™™ Archimedes’ principle states that when a body
Buoyancy is partially or wholly immersed in a fluid, it
Figure 3.14 Centre of buoyancy experiences an up thrust or apparent lose of
weight, which is equal to the weight of the fluid
Flotation therapy uses water displaced by the immersed part of the body.
that contains E
­ psom salts rich in
™™ Density is known as mass per unit volume
magnesium. As a floater relaxes,
of a body. Its S.I. unit is kg m–3.
he or she is absorbing this ­ magnesium
through the skin. Magnesium helps the ™™ Relative density is the ratio between the
body to process insulin, which lowers a density of a substance and density of water.
person’s risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes. Relative density of a body is a pure number
and has no unit.
™™ Hydrometer is a device used to measure
Points to Remember
the relative density of liquids based on the
™™ The force which produces compression is Archimedes’ principle.
called thrust. Its S.I. unit is newton. ™™ Lactometer is a device used to check the
™™ Thrust acting normally to a unit area of a purity of milk by measuring its density
surface is called pressure. Its S.I. unit is pascal. using Archimedes’ principle.

GLOSSARY
Altitude Vertical distance in the up direction.
Astronaut Person who is specially trained to travel into outer space.
Axes Simple machine to cut, shape and split wood.

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 Deformation Changes in an object's shape or form due to the application of a force or forces.
Iceberg Large piece of ice floating in water.
Hydraulic systems Device that uses fluids and work under the fluid pressure to control valves.
Incompressible No change in volume if a pressure is applied.
Meteorological Weather condition.
Piston Movable disc fitted inside a cylinder.
Propellers Fan that transmits power in the form of thrust by rotation.
Syringe Simple pump made of plastic or glass to inject or withdraw fluid.
Therapy Treatment given for healing sickness.
Velocity Speed of an objects with direction.

TEXTBOOK EXERCISES

I. Choose the correct answer.

1. The size of an air bubble rising up in water II. Fill in the blanks.
(a) decreases      1. The weight of the body immersed in a
(b) increases liquid appears to be than its actual
(c) remains same weight.
(d) may increase or decrease 2. The instrument used to measure ­atmospheric
pressure is .
2. Clouds float in atmosphere because of their low
3. The magnitude of buoyant force acting on
(a) density (b) pressure
an object immersed in a liquid depends on
(c ) velocity (d) mass
of the liquid.
3. In a pressure cooker, the food is cooked 4. A drinking straw works on the existence of
faster because .
(a) increased pressure lowers the boiling point. III. State whether true or false. If false,
(b) increased pressure raises the boiling point. ­correct the statement.
(c) decreased pressure raises the boiling point. 1. The weight of fluid displaced determines the
(d) increased pressure lowers the melting point. buoyant force on an object.
4. An empty plastic bottle closed with an airtight 2. The shape of an object helps to determine
stopper is pushed down into a bucket filled whether the object will float or not.
with water. As the bottle is pushed down, 3. The foundations of high-rise buildings
there is an increasing force on the bottom. are kept wide so that they may exert more
This is because, ­pressure on the ground.
(a) more volume of liquid is dispaced. 4. Archimedes’ principle can also be applied to
(b) more weight of liquid is displaced. gases.
(c) pressure increases with depth. 5. Hydraulic press is used in the extraction of
(d) All the above. oil from oil seeds.

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 IV. Match the following. 2. Assertion: Pascal’s law is the working
Density - hρg ­principle of a hydraulic lift.
1 gwt - Milk Reason: Pressure is thrust per unit area.
Mass VIII. Numerical Problems.
Pascal’s law -
Volume 1. A block of wood of weight 200 g floats on
Pressure exerted by a fluid - Pressure the surface of water. If the volume of block is
Lactometer - 980 dyne 300 cm3, calculate the upthrust due to water.
–3
2. Density of mercury is 13600 kg m .
V. Answer in brief. Calculate the relative density.
1. On what factors the pressure exerted by the –3
3. The density of water is 1 g cm . What is its
liquid depends on?
density in S.I. units?
2. Why does a helium balloon float in air?
3. Why it is easy to swim in river water than in 4. Calculate the apparent weight of wood
sea water? floating on water if it weighs 100g in air.
4. What is meant by atmospheric pressure?
IX. Higher Order Thinking Skills.
5. State Pascal’s law.
1. How high does the mercury barometer
VI. Answer in detail. stand on a day when atmospheric pressure
1. With an appropriate illustration prove that is 98.6 kPa?
the force acting on a smaller area exerts a 2. How does a fish manage to rise up and move
greater pressure. down in water?
2. Describe the construction and working of 3. If you put one ice cube in a glass of water and
mercury barometer. another in a glass of alcohol, what would you
3. How does an object’s density determine observe? Explain your observations.
whether the object will sink or float in water? 4. Why does a boat with a hole in the bottom
4. Explain the construction and working of a would eventually sink?
hydrometer with diagram.
5. State the laws of flotation. REFERENCE BOOKS
VII. Assertion and reason type questions. 1. Fundamentals of Physics - By David Halliday
Mark the correct answer as: and Robert Resnick.
(a) If both assertion and reason are true 2. I.C.S.E Concise Physics - By Selina publisher.
and reason is the correct explanation of
3. Physics - By Tower, Smith Tuston & Cope.
assertion.
(b) If both assertion and reason are true but
reason is not the correct explanation of I NT ER NET R ES O U RCES
assertion. [Link]
(c ) If assertion is true but reason is false. view/cub_airplanes_lesson04
(d) If assertion is false but reason is true. [Link]
1. Assertion: To float, body must displace atmosphr/atmospheric_pressure.htm
liquid whose weight is equal to the actual [Link]
weight. featscienceof
Reason: The body will experience no net [Link]
downward force in that case. can-help-your-heart/

37 Fluids

IX_SCI_EM_Unit-03_PHY.indd 37 06-02-2020 11:38:20

 Concept Map

ICT CORNER Fluid

Experiment with Fluid Pressure and
Flow using virtual simulator.

Steps
•  ype the given URL to reach “pHET Simulation” page and download the “java” file of “Fluid Pressure
T
and Flow”.
• Open the “java” file. Open the water tap and observe the “Pressure” fluctuations by increasing “Fluid
density” and “Gravity”.
• Select the third picture and drop down a weight scales to transform weight into pressure.
• Switch to “Flow” tab from the top to simulate fluid motion under a given shape and pressure. Click
the “red” button to drop dots into the fluid and alter the pipe shape by dragging the yellow holders.

Step1 Step2 Step3 Step4

Fluid Pressure and Flow Simulator

URL: [Link] or Scan
the QR Code.

*Pictures are indicative only

Fluids 38

IX_SCI_EM_Unit-03_PHY.indd 38 06-02-2020 11:38:21