Exploring Pressure

Objectives
 Determine the relationship between pressure and depth.
 Determine the relationship between pressure and density.
 Determine the density of an unknown fluid.

Directions
1. Go to the PhET simulation “Under Pressure”
https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/under-pressure
2. Push the big Play arrow. Start with the default settings. In
addition, fill the tank with water and select “Ruler”, like the
diagram to the right.
3. Click on the pressure gauge to move it toward the water.
Measure the pressure in the water at every 0.50 m from the
surface to the bottom. Record your results on the table below. Copy the table into your graph paper, leave room fro
your graph.c
Depth (m) Pressure (kPa = N/m2)
0 101.37
0. 106.09
5
1. 111.12
0
1. 116.25
5
2. 120.87
0
2. 126.00
5
3. 130.61
0

4. Using your graph paper, to make a graph of pressure vs depth.

140

120

100
Pressure (kPa = N/m2)

80

60

40

20

0
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5
Depth (m)
5. Grab a second graph paper. Now, pick a depth in the water, place the pressure sensor at that depth and vary the
fluid density from 700 to 1,400 kg/m3. See picture. Do not change the position of the pressure sensor during the
experiment. Record your results on the table below. Note that the simulation will give you kPa. Convert to Pa before
entering the values on the table.
My chosen depth was: .
3
Density (kg/m ) Pressure (Pa = N/m2)
700 111.63
800 113.01
900 114.57
1000 116.05
1100 117.51
1200 118.99
1300 120.48
1400 121.93

6. Using your graph paper, to make a graph of pressure vs density.

124

122

120
Pressure (Pa = N/m2)

118

116

114

112

110

108

106
600 700 800 900 1000 1100 1200 1300 1400 1500
Density (kg/m3)

7. Click on the icon with the question mark on the sink to access the mystery fluid portion. Determine the density of a
mystery fluid (see below picture to help). If your last name starts with A-H, test Fluid A. If your last name starts with
I-N, test Fluid B. If your last name starts with O-Z, test Fluid C.
Method: Describe how you determined the density of the unknown.

Density is equal to pressure divided by gravity multiplied by depth at which the

sensor records the pressure. This means that by knowing earth’s gravitational
force we know all values that are required for the density equation.

Results: To determine the density of the unknown fluid:

Depth you placed the pressure sensor at: h = __2_ m

Pressure at depth P = ___117.98__ kPa
Gravity value, g = __9.8_____ m/s2

Density of unknown fluid = Pressure / (gravity x depth of sensor) = _6.02____

kg/m3
Extension: Reset the simulation (press the orange button with the arrow on the
bottom right corner).

8. You’ll need a 3rd graph paper.

9. Fill the tank with water and select “Ruler”,
like the diagram to the right but this time
change gravity to Mars. See picture on the
left.
10. Click on the pressure gauge to move it toward the water. Measure the
pressure in the water at every 0.50 m from the surface to the bottom. Copy the
results table below and add your results on the table.
11. Repeat the above steps again with gravity set to Jupiter instead.

Mars Jupiter
Depth(m Pressure (kPa = N/m2) Depth (m) Pressure (kPa = N/m2)
)

12. Compare and contrast the data you collected for Pressure at different
depths on Earth (9.8 m/s2), Mars and Jupiter. Write 3 points and use the
data itself to back you your points.