A clear plastic container (such as a 2-liter
soda bottle) has a series of holes about 1¦2 cm. in
diameter. The holes are evenly spaced from top
to bottom, about 2 cm. apart, in a spiral pattern
around the bottle. Water flows continuously into
the bottle from above, through a tube from a
water faucet. Water flows continuously out of
the bottle through the holes. A sink or large tub
of water catches the water flowing out so it does
not spill on the floor.
Predict
1. When the water is turned on, what will happen
to the level of the water in the bottle?
2. What will happen to the water level if one of
the holes is blocked?
3. What will happen if the water flows into the
bottle faster? Slower?
Observe and Record
1. Turn on the water and adjust the flow so the
water level stays constant. Mark the level with
a piece of tape. What happens if you increase
(or decrease) the rate of flow?
2. Block one or two of the holes. What
happens?
Draw Conclusions
1. What is the relationship of the water level to
the rate of flow?
2. What is the relationship of the water level to
the number of blocked holes?
3. How is the rate of incoming water related to
the rate of outgoing water?
4. Is this system in equilibrium? Why or why not?
If it is in equilibrium, is it in static or dynamic
equilibrium?
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