Pascals Principle

&
The Lift-a-Book Challenge!

The Lift-a-Book Challenge!

Using plastic bags, plastic tubing, and duct tape, create a system that will lift
as many books as possible using just two books as counterweights pressing
down.

Before you begin:

1. Find a partner
2. Come up with a plan & draw it

HINT

(View 0:55-1:25 ONLY)

The Lift-a-Book Challenge!

Using plastic bags, plastic tubing, and duct tape, create a system that will lift
as many books as possible using just two books as counterweights pressing
down.
-

Draw the system you designed.

Be sure to include all dimensions and the mass of the books you use.

Think, Discuss & Write:

What is happening to the fluid pressure inside your system?
Is the fluid pressure the same
everywhere or higher in some places
and lower in others?

Think, Discuss & Write:

What is happening to the fluid pressure inside your system?
Is the fluid pressure the same
everywhere or higher in some places
and lower in others?
Pascals Principle:
Pressure exerted on a confined fluid is
transmitted undiminished to all parts
of the fluid.

Prove it!
Which is the correct formula for pressure?
1.
2.
3.
4.

P=F+A
P = FA
P= F/A
P = A/F

Knowing Pascals principle, use

your hydraulic book lifts to prove
you have chosen the correct
formula for pressure.
Show me evidence!

P1

P2

Exit Ticket:
1.

What challenges did you encounter while designing/building/testing your

system?

2.

How do you think you could improve your system if you did this again?