Module 10: Fluids and Archimedes' Principle

Module 10: Fluids and Archimedes's Principle

Introduction

Unlike solids, liquids and gases can flow, and their molecules that make up a liquid are not confined to fixed position but can move freely. The ability to flow means that they have the name "fluids".   There are many similarities, and some differences, between liquids and gases and here we find out some of these comparisons. In this module you will go through 6 lessons to meet the learning objectives. 

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this module, students will be able to: 

  • Define pressure.
  • Calculate pressure due to a fluid.
  • Use Pascal's principle in problem-solving.
  • Explain how hydraulic jacks function.
  • Define buoyancy.
  • Explain each term in Archimedes principle.
  • Use Archimedes's principle in problem-solving.
  • Identify the force due to air pressure.
  • Explain how air pressure affects us.
  • Provide examples of Bernoulli's principle.
  • Describe the ramifications of air resistance.
  • Define terminal velocity.
  • Describe the relationship between air and fluid resistance and terminal velocity.

To Do List

1. Watch the Video Lectures (links below)
2. Complete the Practice Problems (links below)
3. Take the Module 10 Quiz
4. Complete the Exam Practice Problems for Module 10
4. Complete the Practice Exams 2

Lessons

Lesson 10.1 Pressure

Pressure is defined, and the formula for pressure at a depth in a liquid is introduced and used to solve problems.

Lesson 10.2 Pascal's Principle 

Pascal's principle, which involves the transmission of pressure inside a fluid, is explained and problems shown that demonstrate how hydraulic jacks work.

Lesson 10.3 Archimedes' Principle

Archimedes' principle, which is best learned by words rather than a formula, is shown to apply to a series of different problems concerning bodies in fluids, including floating.

Lesson 10.4 Applications of Pressure Principles

Air pressure is all around us, and is BIG. Here we look at ways of measuring air pressure and we see how it can be used to lift us off the ground.

Lesson 10.5 Bernoulli's Principle 

Bernoulli's principle is something that comes into everyday life and explains some rather surprising phenomena. We do not deal with this principle quantitatively, but we do look at a series of qualitative examples.

Lesson 10.6 Terminal Velocity

Here we make some corrections to the rule that objects fall with the same acceleration due to gravity. We know that isn't true in real life because leaves float to the ground gently. Here we find that it is due to air resistance, and that air resistance affects different objects differently depending both on their size and their shape.

Quiz

Once you have watched the lectures and completed the practice problems, you should demonstrate your understanding by taking the Module 10 Quiz. Be sure to submit the quiz before its deadline.

Coming Up

Exam 2 is coming up next! The exam will cover Modules 7 through 10. To prepare, you should complete the Exam 2 Review.