8.3 pressure in liquids

• Science
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 2

Learning objectives

8.3 Pressure in liquids 

• Explain what is meant by liquid pressure

• Describe what determins the pressure in a liquid

  

Liquid  pressure 

Liquids and gases consist of many small particles in constant random motion. These particles exert forces on any surfaces that they happen to collide with.

Why the concrete at the bottom of dam is thicker?

Why the concrete at the bottom of dam is thicker?

The concrete at the bottom of a dam is thicker because of the increasing water pressure with depth. As depth increases, the hydrostatic pressure exerted by the water also increases, meaning the bottom of the dam experiences the highest pressure. To withstand this immense force and prevent structural failure, the dam's base must be thicker and stronger. This design ensures stability, prevents seepage, and effectively distributes the load

Upthrust and liquid pressure

The upthrust acts in the opposite direction to the weight and is caused by the pressure of the liquid acting over the area of the object in the liquid.

Characteristic of liquid pressure

1. Increases with depth.

2. Acts in all directions.

3. The pressure at the two points at the same level is the same.

The bends

If a diver goes deeper and deeper into the water, more nitrogen builds up in the bloodstream and other tissues.

when the diver ascends quickly to the surface, this Nitrogen forms bubbles, as the pressure is reduced, in the bloodstream.

phet.colorado.edu