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Explain which container has the highest pressure at the bottom, and which container has the lowest - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 4 - 2016 - Paper 1
Question 4
Explain which container has the highest pressure at the bottom, and which container has the lowest. Use information from Figure 3 and Figure 4.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Explain which container has the highest pressure at the bottom, and which container has the lowest - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 4 - 2016 - Paper 1
Step 1
Identify the Relationship Between Pressure and Depth
Answer
Pressure at a point in a fluid at rest is given by the formula:
ho g h$$ where: - $P$ is the pressure, - $ ho$ is the density of the fluid, - $g$ is the acceleration due to gravity, - $h$ is the height (or depth) of the fluid above the point. This implies that the pressure increases with depth and density.Step 2
Determine the Highest Pressure Container
Answer
Comparing the heights of fluid columns in different containers, the container with the greatest fluid height will exhibit the highest pressure at the bottom. Based on the figures provided (Figure 3 and Figure 4), if one container demonstrates a greater depth or denser fluid, it will result in higher pressure according to the equation mentioned.
Step 3
Determine the Lowest Pressure Container
Answer
Conversely, the container with the smallest fluid height or the least dense fluid will have the lowest pressure at the bottom. Evaluating the figures reveals which container meets these criteria, allowing for a conclusion to be drawn regarding the container with the lowest pressure.