Saint Joseph School A.
A
Physics
Fluid Dynamics
Laboratory Report-2
Investigation of the Compressibility of Gases and Liquids and the
Variation of Pressure in a System of Connected Syringes
Grade: 12A
Group-member
Name No
1. Robel Fekade 31
2. Beka Belachew 7
3. Adonay Dereje 3
4. Nebiyou Samuel 27
5. Ezana Ephraem 16
6. Helinas Terfasas 19
Submitted to: teacher Ojiku
Submission Date: 12/12/2025
Contents
1 Experiment-1: Compressibility of gases and liquids............................................................................2
1.1 Objective:....................................................................................................................................2
1.2 Hypothesis:..................................................................................................................................3
1.3 Variables:.....................................................................................................................................3
1.4 Materials required:.......................................................................................................................4
1.5 Procedure:....................................................................................................................................4
1.6 Observation:................................................................................................................................5
1.7 Analysis:......................................................................................................................................5
1.8 Conclusion:..................................................................................................................................6
1.9 Sources of Error:..........................................................................................................................6
1.10 Precautions..................................................................................................................................7
1.11 Reference.....................................................................................................................................7
2 Experiment-2: Pressure in a pair of connected syringes.......................................................................8
2.1 Objective:....................................................................................................................................8
2.2 Theory:........................................................................................................................................8
2.3 Hypothesis:..................................................................................................................................8
2.4 Variables:.....................................................................................................................................8
2.5 Materials required:.......................................................................................................................9
2.6 Procedures:..................................................................................................................................9
2.7 Observation:..............................................................................................................................10
2.8 Analysis:....................................................................................................................................10
2.8.1 Theoretical.........................................................................................................................10
2.8.2 Calculated..........................................................................................................................11
2.9 Conclusion:................................................................................................................................11
2.10 Precautions:...............................................................................................................................11
2.11 Sources of Error:........................................................................................................................12
2.12 Reference:..................................................................................................................................12
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1 Experiment-1: Compressibility of gases and liquids
1.1 Objective:
Comparing the compressibility of gases and liquids.
Theory:
Compressibility is the measure of how much the volume of a substance changes under
an applied pressure.
1. Compressibility of Gases
Gases are highly compressible because:
o Gas particles are far apart, so there is a lot of empty space between molecules.
o Applying pressure reduces the distance between particles, decreasing volume
2. Compressibility of Liquids
Liquids are much less compressible than gases because:
1. Liquid molecules are closely packed, with very little empty space.
2. Applying pressure causes only a very small decrease in volume.
1.2 Hypothesis:
If equal amounts of pressure are applied to a gas and a liquid, then the gas will show a much
greater decrease in volume than the liquid. This is because gas particles are widely spaced with
large amounts of empty space between them, allowing the particles to be pushed closer together.
In contrast, liquid particles are already closely packed with very little empty space, so applying
pressure will produce only a small or negligible change in their volume.
1.3 Variables:
1. Independent Variable (What you change)
The type of substance being compressed (gas or liquid).
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2. Dependent Variable (What you measure)
The change in volume of the substance when pressure is applied.
3. Controlled Variables (What you keep constant)
The amount (initial volume) of each substance in the syringes.
The applied pressure or the force used to compress each syringe.
The temperature of the substances (to ensure equal conditions).
The type and size of the syringes used for both gas and liquid.
The measurement method used to read changes in volume.
1.4 Materials required:
Two syringes of equal size and water.
1.5 Procedure:
1. First, we filled a syringe with water by pushing the piston into the syringe casing until it
stops.
2. Second, we put the open end of the syringe into water and then pulled water into it by
pulling the piston back to its maximum height.
3. Third, we closed the water filled syringe tightly by our finger and pushed the piston.
4. Forth, we filled the second syringe with air by pushing the piston into the syringe casing
until it stops.
5. Fifth, we pulled air into it by pulling the piston back to its maximum limit.
6. At last, we closed the air-filled syringe slightly by our finger and pushed the piston and
observed the change that occurred.
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1.6 Observation:
When pressure was applied to the syringe containing gas, the plunger moved inward
significantly, and the volume of the gas decreased noticeably.
When the same amount of pressure was applied to the syringe containing liquid, the
plunger moved only a very small amount, showing almost no change in volume.
Gases moved about 8mm, while water moved around (0.1-0.2) mm
Overall, the gas sample showed large compression, while the liquid sample showed
very little to almost no compression under the same applied force.
1.7 Analysis:
The data collected from the syringes shows a clear difference in how gases and liquids respond
to applied-pressure.
When pressure was applied to the gas syringe, the volume decreased significantly, indicating
high compressibility. This large change in volume occurs because gas particles are widely
spaced, allowing the plunger to push the particles closer together.
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In contrast, the liquid sample showed only a very small reduction in volume. The plunger moved
only slightly, demonstrating that liquids are much less compressible. This minimal change is due
to the close packing of liquid molecules, which leaves very little empty space for additional
compression.
By comparing the numerical values (initial and final volumes), it is evident that the percentage
decrease in volume for the gas is much greater than that of the liquid. This supports the
hypothesis that gases are far more compressible than liquids under equal applied pressure.
1.8 Conclusion:
The experiment shows that gases are far more compressible than liquids when equal pressure is
applied. The gas sample experienced a large decrease in volume, while the liquid showed only a
very small or negligible change. This confirms the hypothesis that the spacing of particles
determines compressibility: gases have widely spaced molecules that can be pushed closer
together, whereas liquids have closely packed molecules that resist compression. Therefore, the
results clearly demonstrate that gases are highly compressible while liquids are only slightly
compressible.
1.9 Sources of Error:
Inconsistent applied pressure: The force applied to each syringe may not have been
exactly the same, which could affect the accuracy of the volume change measurements.
Reading errors: Parallax or misreading the syringe scale could lead to incorrect volume
values.
Air bubbles in the liquid syringe: Any trapped air would compress easily and make the
liquid appear more compressible than it actually is.
Friction in the syringe plunger: Resistance or stiffness in the plunger might reduce the
actual force transmitted to the substance, affecting the observed compression.
Temperature changes: If the temperature of the gas or liquid changed during the
experiment, it could affect their volume and alter the results slightly.
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1.10 Precautions
Remove the Niddle from the syringe to avoid any injuries.
Ensure that the syringes are clean and free of air bubbles, especially in the liquid
sample.
Apply pressure slowly and steadily to avoid sudden changes that could damage the
syringe or affect accuracy.
Keep the temperature constant throughout the experiment to prevent volume changes
unrelated to pressure.
Make sure the syringe plunger moves smoothly; lubricate or replace it if it sticks.
Read the volume measurements at eye level to avoid parallax errors.
Use identical syringes for both the gas and liquid to ensure fair comparison.
Handle the syringes carefully to avoid spillage or leaks, especially when using liquids.
1.11 Reference.
School Physics Notes / Class Lecture Notes – For explanations on compressibility and
particle spacing.
GCSE / High School Science Resources – For simple definitions of gas and liquid
compressibility.
Grade 12 textbook
Laboratory observation
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2 Experiment-2: Pressure in a pair of connected syringes
2.1 Objective:
To investigate how pressure is transmitted through a connected water-filled system by observing the
effect of changing the height and applied force on one syringe, and how this influences the water level
and pressure in the second syringe.
2.2 Theory:
Pressure is defined as the perpendicular (normal) force applied per unit area. In a connected fluid
system, changes in pressure at one point are transmitted equally throughout the fluid. This
experiment demonstrates how pressure in one syringe affects the water level in another
connected syringe through a flexible tube, illustrating the concept of fluid pressure transmission.
2.3 Hypothesis:
If a force is applied to the plunger of one syringe in a pair of syringes connected by a fluid-filled
tube, then the pressure will be transmitted equally to the other syringe if the fluid is a liquid, but
will be transmitted unevenly if the fluid is a gas, because liquids are nearly incompressible while
gases are highly compressible.
This hypothesis directly connects the expected outcomes to the compressibility differences
between liquids and gases.
2.4 Variables:
1. Independent Variable:
The height or force applied on the small syringe.
2. Dependent Variable:
The change in water level in the large syringe.
3. Controlled Variables:
Volume of water in each syringe
Size of syringes
Diameter and length of the connecting tube
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Temperature of water
Position and alignment of syringes
2.5 Materials required:
Two syringes of different size
a piece of flexible plastic tube
two identical 250ml transparent beakers
bucket partly filled with water
2.6 Procedures:
First, we submerged a plastic tube and let it fill completely with water.
Second, we pushed the plunger of the small syringe all the way into it so there is no air it
and filled it partially with water. Then inserted its tip into one end of the submerged,
water-filled plastic tube.
Third, we pushed the larger syringe all the way into it so there is no air in it after that we
filled it partially with water. Then inserted its tip into another end of the submerged.
Water-filled plastic tube.
Forth, we took the entire assembly out of the water and arranged the syringe vertically as
shown with their initial water level at the same height.
Fifth, we placed a water placed beaker on the smaller syringe.
Sixth, we elevated the smaller syringe and observed the change.
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2.7 Observation:
When the small syringe is elevated, the water level in the larger syringe changes, showing
that the pressure applied on one syringe is transmitted through the fluid to the other.
The water in the larger syringe rises or falls depending on the relative height and force
applied to the small syringe.
2.8 Analysis:
2.8.1 Theoretical
This experiment demonstrates Pascal’s principle: pressure applied to a confined fluid is
transmitted undiminished in all directions.
The change in water level in the larger syringe indicates that even a small applied force
on the small syringe produces a noticeable effect, depending on the cross-sectional area
of each syringe.
The difference in syringe sizes shows how force and area influence the pressure
transmitted through the fluid.
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2.8.2 Calculated
Approximated internal diameter of the 10cc and 20cc syringes are 14.5mm and 19mm respectively. We
used 400ml of water on the 10cc syringe which is approximately around 400gm (0.4Kg).
D1 = 14.5mm = 0.0145m
D2 = 19mm = 0.019m
A1 = π (d/2)^2 = π(0.0001651) = 0.0001651m^2
A2 = π(0.00009025) = 0.0002837
M1 = M2(A1/A2) => m2 = m1/0.5818 => 0.4/0.5818 = >0.6874kg
So, if we put 0.4kg on the smaller syringe we need to put 0.6874kg on the large syringe to balance the
level of water.
When we put 0.4kg of water on the small syringe and if we elevate it the piston on the large syringe rises.
2.9 Conclusion:
Pressure applied to one syringe in a connected system is transmitted to the other syringe
through the fluid.
The experiment confirms that the height of the water level changes proportionally to
the force and cross-sectional area, illustrating the transmission of fluid pressure.
This principle is fundamental in hydraulic systems and helps explain how force
multiplication works.
2.10 Precautions:
Make sure the Niddle from the syringe is removed and placed at a safe place.
Ensure no air bubbles remain in syringes or tubing.
Keep syringes vertical and aligned for accurate observation.
Apply force slowly to avoid sudden splashes or inaccurate readings.
Use syringes and tubes of the same material for uniform results.
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2.11 Sources of Error:
Air bubbles trapped in syringes or tubing could reduce pressure transmission.
Uneven plunger movement may cause inconsistent water level changes.
Misreading water levels due to parallax error.
Friction in the syringes could slightly reduce the transmitted pressure.
2.12 Reference:
Serway, R. A., & Jewett, J. W. (2014). Physics for Scientists and Engineers with Modern
Physics. Cengage Learning.
Grade 12 physics textbook
Laboratory observation
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