Q4. What weight of water must be poured into the tube in order to burst the barrel?

Background

Topic: Fluid Statics & Pascal's Principle

This question tests your understanding of how pressure is transmitted in fluids and how a small amount of water in a narrow tube can exert a large force on the top of a barrel due to the height of the water column.

Key Terms and Formulas

• Pressure due to a fluid column:

• Force from pressure:

• Where:

  • = density of water ()

  • = acceleration due to gravity ()

  • = height of water column in the tube

  • = area of the barrel's top ()

Step-by-Step Guidance

1. Calculate the area of the barrel's top using its diameter ():

2. Set the force required to burst the barrel equal to the force exerted by the water column:

3. Solve for the height of the water column needed to produce the bursting force:

4. Calculate the volume of water in the tube using the tube's diameter ():

5. Find the weight of water by multiplying the volume by the density and gravity:

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!