1

Experiment No.3

Pressure in still liquids and gases

Introduction
If a force F presses evenly on a surface A, the pressure acting on that surface is
F
p …………………... (1)
A
The pressure p is always measured in bar:
1 bar = 105 N/m2 = 105 Pa
In a vessel filled with liquid the pressure raises evenly from the top
to the bottom - that is, also the side pressure. The highest pressure
prevails at the bottom. It is dependent on the height h of the liquid
level above the bottom of the vessel and the density of the liquid.
This hydrostatic pressure is calculated as
p =  . g. h ……………….. (2) (g=9.81m/s2)

A-Experiment to measure bottom pressure with bottom pressure gauge

Aim of the experiment

The hydrostatic pressure depends only on the water level (h)

Performing the experiment

* Fill each vessel shape of the bottom pressure gauge one
after the other with water, each up to the same water
level h.
* Compare the respective results read from the scale.

Evaluating the experiment

The experiment shows that the hydrostatic pressure at the bottom does not depend
on the water volume above the bottom of the vessel, but only on the height h of the
water level above the bottom. This also corresponds to the fact that a diver who
dives 10 meters down in the ocean is exposed to the same water pressure as if he
had dived into a 10 meter deep well.
The vessel shape or cross-sectional area thus has no influence on the
hydrostatic pressure!
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B- Experiment of Hydrostatic pressure in communicating tubes

When the communicating tubes have been filled, the liquid level is
equal in all tubes, irrespective of their shape. In the horizontal
connecting tube the pressure must be equal at all points, because
the hydrostatic pressure depends only on the height h of the liquid
level. If, however, the water in one tube is initially higher, during
pouring in for example, the pressure difference is immediately
equalised at the bottom.

C- Experiment to measure the hydrostatic pressure of water

Aim of the experiment

Calibrating the electronic pressure sensor

Performing the experiment

For measuring, the d=133 mm measuring vessel (9) is
used, to which a pressure sensor is attached at the bottom.
The hydrostatic pressure can be read from the digital
display on the switch box (3)(unit: mbar).

Preparing the water circuit:

* Close cocks (20), (22) and (24), open cock (21).
* Open the upper vent valve on measuring vessel (9).
* Switch on the immersion pump by pressing the green
knob on the switch box (3).
* Then, by carefully opening the inlet cock (20) water can be let into the measuring
vessel.
* Read off the water level in the measuring vessel and compare it with the pressure
indicated on the switch box (measuring range: 0-60mbar!).

Draining the system:

* Switch off the immersion pump by pressing the red knob on the switch box (3).
* Close inlet cock (20), open all other cocks and vent valves. The water runs back
into the tank.
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Table of readings:

No. h Psen.
(cm) ( mbar )
1
2
3
4
5

Sample of calculating:
pact.  .g.h in (Pa)
Pa  102 mbar

Table of calculating:

No. Pact. Psen.

( mbar ) ( mbar )
1

Discussion:

1-Discuss the difference between the pact. & psen..

2- Draw the calibrating curve for the electronic pressure sensor.