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In I/GCSE Physics, do you guys still remember what fluid flow is?
What is fluid?
Fluid – a substance that can flow – normally a gas or liquid, but some solids can sometimes behave like this
Density
- In I/GCSE Physics, fluid density is also mass per unit volume
- When an object is SUBMERGED in fluid, it feels an upward force caused by the fluid pressure – UPTHRUST
- The size of the force is equal to the weight of the fluid that has been displaced by the object. – ARCHIMEDES’ PRINCIPLE
- The mass of the fluid displaced is equal to the volume of the object x the density of the fluid
- mass = volume x density m= Vp
- UPTHRUST is then: Weight = mass x gravity. W=mg
Example: Why does a brick sink?
Density of water: 1000 kg m-3
If the volume of the brick is: 1.61 x 10-3
Weight of brick: 3.38kg
If we compare the weight of the brick with the upthrust when it is submerged, the resultant force will be downwards.
Weight = 3.38 x 9.81 = 33.2N downwards
Upthrust = 15.8N upwards
Resultant = 33.2 – 15.8 = 17.6 N downwards
The brick will accelerate downwards until it is at rest and balanced at the bottom
Floating
- In I/GCSE Physics, an object floats when it DISPLACES its own weight in fluid.
- When an object is at the surface of a fluid, there is NO UPTHRUST as no fluid has been displaced.
- As the object SINKS DEEPER in the fluid, it displaces a greater volume of fluid, thus INCREASING THE UPTHRUST acting upon it.
- When the upthrust and weight are BALANCED equally, the object will FLOAT.
- So if it wants to float, it has to sink and displace enough fluid to match its weight.
Hydrometer
- In I/GCSE Physics, it is used to determine the density of a fluid. The device has a constant weight, so it will sink lower in fluids of lesser density – because a greater volume of less dense fluid must be displaced to balance the counterweight of the hydrometer. Scale markings indicate the density.
- If used with alcoholic drinks, it shows how much alcohol there is in it. The lower the density, the greater the alcohol content, as alcohol has a lower density than the water it is mixed with.
That's all~ Thanks for watching.
