Physics 5054 · O Level · Pressure

Pressure — practice question

The lake water has density $1000\,\text{kg m}^{-3}$. At a point $25\,\text{m}$ below the lake surface, the total pressure is $3.5 \times 10^{5}\,\text{Pa}$. The gravitational field strength is $10\,\text{N kg}^{-1}$. An underwater depth gauge contains a small cylinder, as shown in Fig. 8.1.
(a)[1]

State the meaning of pressure.

(b(i))[2]

Find the pressure produced by $25\,\text{m}$ of water.

(b(ii))[1]

Find the atmospheric pressure.

(c(i))[3]

Explain why the piston is driven into the cylinder as the depth gauge is lowered into the water.

(c(ii))[3]

Explain, in molecular terms, how the pressure of the trapped gas changes as the piston moves into the cylinder.

(c(iii))[2]

On Fig. 8.2, sketch a graph to show how the volume of trapped gas falls as the gauge is lowered into the water.

(c(iv))[1]

Suggest one reason why the dial needle must be reset to zero at the water surface each time it is used.

(c(v))[2]

Explain, in terms of the water molecules, why the density of the water stays constant.

Worked solution & mark scheme

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