Republic of the Philippines

Surigaodel Sur State University

Tagbina, Surigaodel Sur 8308
Website: www.sdssu.edu.ph

FLUID MECHANICS
Physics 1

MODULE 1: Lesson 1, 2, 3, & 4

NAME
1,2,3,4 : __________________________________
PROGRAM/YEAR LEVEL : __________________________________
INSTRUCTOR : __________________________________
SEMESTER : __________________________________
SCHOOL YEAR : __________________________________

Compiled by:
NESTLE R. AMURAY
College of Teacher Education

Facebook account: Nestlecream Reyes Amuray

Gmail account: amuraynestle1@gmail.com
Module 1: Physics 1: Fluid Mechanics 1
 Contents

Introduction……………………………………………………………………………….
Philosophy, Vision & Mission I………………..…………………………...…………
Core Values & Program Goals………………….…..…………………….…………...
Course Map………..………………..…………………………………….………………

Module 1
Introduction and General Concepts of Fluid Mechanics
Lesson 1: The Concept of Fluid & Density………………………..….….….…..…
Lesson 2: Fluid Pressure……………………….………………………….…….…..
Lesson 3: Measuring Pressure…..…………………………………………..…...…
Lesson 4: Pascal’s Principle & Hydraulics..……………………….…………...…..

Module 2
Concept of Buoyancy
Lesson 1: Overview of the Archimedes Principle………………………..………...
Lesson 2: The Surface Tension………………………………………….……..…...
Lesson 3: The Capillarity…………………………………….…….…………..…..…

Module 3
Fluid Dynamics
Lesson 1: The Fluid Flow………………………..……………...…………………...
Lesson 2: Bernoulli’s Equation for Ideal Fluids…………………………………....
Lesson 3: Static, Total & Velocity Pressure……………...……………………..…

Module 4
The Viscosity and Turbulence
Lesson 1: The Viscosity……………………………………...……………..….….…
Lesson 2: Laminar Flow and Turbulence Flow……...……..…………….…..……
Lesson 3: Frictional Losses in Laminar & Turbulent Flow……….…………...…..
Lesson 4: The Chezy – Darcy Equation……….…………………………….....…..

References…………………………………………………………….……………..

Module 1: Physics 1: Fluid Mechanics 2

Program Goals
The College of Teacher Education will produce competent teachers imbued with
ethical values and ideals in the humane environment supportive to national thrust for
social transformation. It is committed to provide students with:

1. Quality training in their respective field of specialization.

2. Knowledge, skills and values system responsive to the needs of the
communities.
3. Quality education through relevant instruction, research, extension and
use of information and communication technology for teaching and life-
long learning.
4. Productive activities relevant to their field of specialization.
5. Ethical values to maintain the moral of our society.

The BSEd (Bachelor of Secondary Education)

 Demonstrate depth and breadth in their field of discipline to exercise flexibility to
select and organize pedagogical content knowledge.
 Facilitate teaching-learning process that helps students to become independent,
critical, productive and values-oriented learners.
 Innovative learning instruction through research and generate knowledge that
enhances the disciplines.
 Displays high standard of professionalism and teachers code of conduct.
 Provide quality and relevant education and training within the reach of low-
income members of the society.

Course Learning Outcomes:

At the end of the course, the students should be able to:
1. demonstrate and apply basic concepts and principles in physics in the patterns of
nature;
2. demonstrate attitude of inquiry and integration of scientific method in problem-
solving;
3. demonstrate critical thinking in the context of science as a student in this e-world;
4. exhibit quantitative problem solving skills; and
5. promote development of technology while exhibit acquisition of good habits and
moral values.

Module 1: Physics 1: Fluid Mechanics 3

 MODULE NO. 1
Introduction and General Concepts of
Fluid Mechanics

I ntroduction

Fluids play a vital role in many aspects of everyday life. We drink, breathe and swim in
them. They circulate through our bodies and control our weather. Airplanes fly through them;
ships float in them. A fluid is any substance that can flow; we use the term for both liquids and
gases. We usually think of a gas as easily compressed and a liquid as nearly incompressible,
although there are exceptional cases.
We begin our study with fluid statics, the study of fluids at rest in equilibrium situations.
Like other equilibrium situations, it is based on Newton’s first and third laws. We will explore the
key concepts of density, pressure, and buoyancy. Fluid dynamics, the study of fluids in motion,
is much more complex; indeed, it is one of the most complex branches of mechanics.
Fortunately, we can analyze many important situations using simple idealized models and
familiar principles such as Newton’s laws and conservation of energy. Even so, we will barely
scratch the surface of this broad and interesting topic.
This module introduces the concept of the fluid, density and pressure which is important
in understanding some of the phenomena in everyday situations. Density is defined as mass per
unit volume and a measure of the “compactness” of an object. Pressure is a physical
phenomenon that is responsible for much more than just the weather. Changes in pressure
cause ears to “pop” during takeoff in an airplane. Changes in pressure can also cause scuba
divers to suffer a sometimes fatal disorder known as the “bends,” which occurs when nitrogen
dissolved in the water of the body at extreme depths returns to a gaseous state in the body as
the diver surfaces. Pressure lies at the heart of the phenomena called buoyancy, which causes
hot air balloons to rise and ships to float. Before we can fully understand the role that pressure
plays in these phenomena, we need to discuss the states of matter and the concept of density.
Also, this module consists of four lessons which are:

 Lesson 1: The Concept of Fluid & Density

 Lesson 2: Fluid Pressure
 Lesson 3: Measuring Pressure
 Lesson 4: Pascal’s Principle & Hydraulics

LESSON NO. 1
LESSON TITLE The Concept of Fluid & Density
OBJECTIVES: By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:
 state the different phases of matter;
 describe the characteristics of the phases of matter at the molecular
or atomic level;
 distinguish between compressible and incompressible materials;
 define density and its related SI units; and
 compare and contrast the densities of various substances.

Module 1: Physics 1: Fluid Mechanics 4

 Module 1: The Concept of Fluid & Density
W hy do big logs and ships float on water, while a small coin does not? Why smokes do
goes up while fog goes down? Well, all of these questions will be answered in this module. Let
us begin with the concept of fluid and its properties, density and specific gravity.

What is Fluid?
Fluid is any substance that flows and takes the shape of a container. It has low
resistance to change in its shape when subjected to pressure. Liquids and gases are classified
as Fluids. You can observe that liquid changes its shape when poured on a glass or on any
container. To understand more about fluid, let us study the three common phases of matter,
namely, Solids, Liquids and Gases. Matter most commonly exists as a solid, liquid, or gas;
these states are known as the three common phases of matter. We will look at each of these
phases in detail in this section.

Characteristics of Solids

Note!
 Solids are rigid and have specific shapes and definite volumes.
 The atoms or molecules in a solid are in close proximity to each other, and there is a significant
force between these molecules.
 Solids will take a form determined by the nature of these forces between the molecules. Although
true solids are not incompressible, it nevertheless requires a large force to change the shape of a
solid.
 In some cases, the force between molecules can cause the molecules to organize into a lattice as
shown in the Figure (below). The structure of this three-dimensional lattice is represented as
molecules connected by rigid bonds (modeled as stiff springs), which allow limited freedom for
movement.
 Referring to the figure, (a) Atoms in a solid are always in close contact with neighboring atoms,
held in place by forces represented by springs.
 (b) Atoms in a liquid are also in close contact but can slide over one another. Forces between the
atoms strongly resist attempts to compress the atoms.
 (c) Atoms in a gas move about freely and are separated by large distances. A gas must be held
in a closed container to prevent it from expanding freely and escaping. (Figure Source: University
Physics Volume 1)

 Even a large force produces only small displacements in the atoms or molecules of the lattice,
and the solid maintains its shape. Solids also resist shearing forces. (Shearing forces are
forces applied tangentially to a surface, as described in Static Equilibrium and Elasticity.)

Module 1: Physics 1: Fluid Mechanics 5

Characteristics of Fluids

Note!
 Liquids and gases are considered to be fluids because they yield to shearing forces, whereas solids resist
them.
 Like solids, the molecules in a liquid are bonded to neighboring molecules, but possess many fewer of
these bonds.
 The molecules in a liquid are not locked in place and can move with respect to each other. The distance
between molecules is similar to the distances in a solid, and so liquids have definite volumes, but the
shape of a liquid changes, depending on the shape of its container.
 Gases are not bonded to neighboring atoms and can have large separations between molecules. Gases
have neither specific shapes nor definite volumes, since their molecules move to fill the container in which
they are held (shown in the figure).

 Liquids deform easily when stressed and do not spring back to their original shape once a force is
removed. This occurs because the atoms or molecules in a liquid are free to slide about and change
neighbors. That is, liquids flow (so they are a type of fluid), with the molecules held together by mutual
attraction.
 When a liquid is placed in a container with no lid, it remains in the container. Because the atoms are
closely packed, liquids, like solids, resist compression; an extremely large force is necessary to change the
volume of a liquid.
 In contrast, atoms in gases are separated by large distances, and the forces between atoms in a gas are
therefore very weak, except when the atoms collide with one another. This makes gases relatively easy to
compress and allows them to flow (which makes them fluids). When placed in an open container, gases,
unlike liquids, will escape.

In this chapter, we generally refer to both gases and liquids simply as fluids, making a
distinction between them only when they behave differently. There exists one other phase of matter,
plasma, which exists at very high temperatures. At high temperatures, molecules may disassociate
into atoms, and atoms disassociate into electrons (with negative charges) and protons (with positive
charges), forming a plasma.

Plasma will not be discussed in depth in this chapter because plasma has very different
properties from the three other common phases of matter, discussed in this chapter, due to the
strong electrical forces between the charges.

What is Density?
Suppose a block of brass and a block of wood have exactly the same mass. If both blocks are
dropped in a tank of water, why does the wood float and the brass sink (shown in the figure -
below)? This occurs because the brass has a greater density than water, whereas the wood has a
lower density than water.

Density is an important characteristic of substances. It is crucial, for example, in determining

whether an object sinks or floats in a fluid. An important property of any material is its density,
defined as its mass per unit volume. A homogeneous material such as ice or iron has the same
density throughout.
Module 1: Physics 1: Fluid Mechanics 6
 What is Density
Referring to the figure, (a) A block of
brass and a block of wood both have the
same weight and mass, but the block of wood
has a much greater volume.
(b) When placed in a fish tank filled
with water, the cube of brass sinks and the
block of wood floats. (The block of wood is the
same in both pictures; it was turned on its side
to fit on the scale.) (credit: modification of works
by Joseph J. Trout, Stockton University)

The average density of a substance or object is defined as its mass per unit volume,

where the Greek letter ρ (rho) is the symbol for density, m is the mass, and V is the
volume. The SI unit of density is .
Two objects made of the same material have the same
density even though they may have different masses and
different volumes. That’s because the ratio of mass to volume is
the same for both objects (shown in the figure). (Figure Source:
th
University Physics 13 Ed. E-book)

The SI unit of density is the kilogram per cubic meter

The cgs unit, the gram per cubic centimetre is

also widely used: .

The densities of some common substances at ordinary temperatures are given in Table -
below. Note the wide range of magnitudes. The densest material found on earth is the metal
osmium but its density pales by comparison to the densities of exotic astronomical objects such
as white dwarf stars and neutron stars.

Density of a Substance
The density of a substance is not necessarily constant throughout the volume of a
substance. If the density is constant throughout a substance, the substance is said to be a
homogeneous substance. A solid iron bar is an example of a homogeneous substance. The
density is constant throughout, and the density of any sample of the substance is the same as
its average density.

Module 1: Physics 1: Fluid Mechanics 7

 Density of a Substance
If the density of a substance were not constant, the
substance is said to be a heterogeneous substance. A
chunk of Swiss cheese is an example of a heterogeneous
material containing both the solid cheese and gas-filled
voids. The density at a specific location within a
heterogeneous material is called local density, and is given
as a function of location, ρ = ρ(x, y, z) (shown in the figure).
Referring to the figure, density may vary throughout a
heterogeneous mixture. Local density at a point is obtained
from dividing mass by volume in a small volume around a
given point. (Figure Source: University Physics Volume 1)
Local density can be obtained by a limiting process, based on the average density in a
small volume around the point in question, taking the limit where the size of the volume
approaches zero,

where ρ is the density, m is the mass, and V is the volume. Since gases are free to
expand and contract, the densities of the gases vary considerably with temperature, whereas
the densities of liquids vary little with temperature. Therefore, the densities of liquids are often
treated as constant, with the density equal to the average density.

What is Specific Gravity?

Note!
 What does it mean when we say, mercury has a specific density of 13.6? We’ll, the sample
problem below will tell us what it means.
 Oftentimes, properties of liquid are compared to water such as density. The ratio of the density of
liquid to the density of water is called as specific gravity. It is represented as

Sample!
 Specific gravity or s.g. has no dimension hence, has no unit. Let us try to find the specific gravity
of Mercury (given: density of mercury = )

 This s.g. 13.6 of mercury means that its density is 13.6 times greater than the water.

Module 1: Physics 1: Fluid Mechanics 8

Activity
Lesson 1
Name:____________________________________ Date:_____________________

Section & Year: _______________ Instructor: __________________

Task 1! Multiple Choice: Choose the letter which corresponds to the best answer and
eventually make a justification or explanation to credit the selected answer. (2 pts each)

1. What is being produced when the density of a substance were not constant?
a. Homogeneous
b. Heterogeneous
c. Density
d. Mass
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________.
2. What do you call to the ratio of the density of liquid to the density of water?
a. specific volume
b. specific gravity
c. specific density
d. specific mass
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________.
3. Why do two objects made of the same material have the same density even though they may have different
masses and different volumes?
a. because the ratio of mass to volume is the same for both objects
b. because the ratio of mass to density is the same for both objects
c. because the ratio of density to volume is the same for both objects
d. because the ratio of density to mass is the same for both objects
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________.
4. Considered to have a low resistance to change in its shape when subjected to pressure.
a. Liquid
b. Gas
c. Fluid
d. Density
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________.
5. What happens to the liquid when placed in the container with no lid?
a. it remains in the lid
b. it remains in the lid with constant volume
c. it remains in the container with constant mass
d. it remains in the container
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________.

Task 2! Problem Solving: Read and understand the problem and provide the correct answer.
Place your answer on the space provided with corresponding solution.

1. Find the mass and weight of the air at 20°C in a living room with a 4.0m x 5.0m floor
and a ceiling 3.0 m high, and the mass and weight of an equal volume of water. (20 pts:
Rubrics: illustration 4pts, Identify and Set-up 4 pts, Execution 8 pts, and Evaluation 4 pts)

Hint: Assume that the air density is the same throughout the room. (Air is less dense at high
elevations than near sea level, but the density varies negligibly over the room’s 3.0-m
height!

Solution:

Significance: ________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________.

Module 1: Physics 1: Fluid Mechanics 9

Assessment
Lesson 1
Name:____________________________________ Date:_____________________

Section & Year: _______________ Instructor: __________________

Task 1! Identification: Identify the following items; put your answer on the blank
provided. (2 pts each)

1. Specific gravity or s.g. has no dimension hence, has no _______________________.

2. The density at a specific location within a heterogeneous material is called ______________.
3. The ___________________ of a substance or object is defined as its mass per unit volume.
4. The densest material found on earth is the metal __________________ but its density pales
by comparison to the densities of exotic astronomical objects such as white dwarf stars and
neutron stars.
5. Solids are rigid and have specific shapes and ___________________.
6. ___________________ deform easily when stressed and do not spring back to their original
shape once a force is removed.

Task 2! Modified True or False.

Directions: Write TRUE on the space provided if the statement is correct.
Write FALSE if otherwise. Then, CHANGE THE IDENTIFIED WORD/s (in
bold) to make the statement true and place your answer on the space
provided. (2pts each)

1. The SI unit of density is gram per cubic centimeter . __________________________

2. There exists one other phase of matter, plasma, which exists at very low temperatures.
________________________________
3. The Greek letter ρ (rho) is the symbol for density. __________________________________
4. Atoms in liquids are separated by large distances, and the forces between atoms in a gas are
therefore very weak. _________________________________
5. Atoms in a solid are always in close contact with neighboring atoms, held in place by forces
represented by springs. ___________________________________
6. Gases and solids simply as fluids. ___________________________________

Task 3! Cite an Example: Look at your community and observe some of the daily
activities/situations wherein the concept of Fluid and Density are present or observable. Then,
make a recording on the activities you observed (one activity for fluid & one for density, as
possible you can have a video) then make a discussion/explanation about the observable
situation (through video presentation) and relate it to the concept. Submit the video upon
submitting your answers. (30 pts each)
(Rubrics: Selected example 10pts, Explanation or presentation of ideas 12pts, video
presentation 4pts & significance 4 pts).

Module 1: Physics 1: Fluid Mechanics 10

 Demonstration & Discussion Check!

Name:____________________________________ Date:_____________________

Section & Year: _______________ Instructor: __________________

Physics 1 – Fluid Mechanics

Demonstration & Explanation: 2nd Semester A.Y 2021-2022

Task 1! Demonstration: Read, understand and perform the instructions of the activity and answer the
following questions. Place your answer on the space provided with corresponding discussion or
explanation.

1. Do this: Place a raw egg inside an empty glass. Pour plain water and observe. Then add
salt in the water and stir. Add more salt and observe. Click this link
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cipDtvN6CIQ? to watch this video. (5 pts each!)

(a) What have you learn from this activity and from the video?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________.

(b) What property of water changes when salt was added?

_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________.

(c) How does this property affect the egg?

_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________.

(d) How do you define density base on the activity you performed?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________.

Task 2! Discuss: Read, understand and discuss the following questions. Place your answer on
the space provided.

1. Why do eggs float on salt solution yet sink in oil? (You can perform and observe)
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________.

2. What is the mass of 1 liter of water?

_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________.

3. How much volume does 1.50kg water occupy?

_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________.

4. Why is water not suitable to put off a petrol fire?

_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________.

Module 1: Physics 1: Fluid Mechanics 11

Module 1: FLUID PRESSURE
LESSON NO. 2
LESSON TITLE Fluid Pressure
OBJECTIVES: By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:
 define pressure and its related SI units;
 describe the causes of fluid pressure;
 explain the relationship between pressure and force;
 calculate force given pressure and area; and
 solve problems involving Fluid Pressure.

Do you feel the pressure of the air on your body? How about the liquid pressure when
you dip your body in the water? You have no doubt heard the word ‘pressure’ used in relation to
blood (high or low blood pressure) and in relation to weather (high-and low-pressure weather
systems). These are only two of many examples of pressure in fluids.
When a fluid (either liquid or gas) is at rest, it exerts a force perpendicular to any
surface in contact with it, such as a container wall or a body immersed in the fluid. This is the
force that you feel pressing on your legs when you dangle them in a swimming pool. While the
fluid as a whole is at rest, the molecules that make up the fluid are in motion; the force exerted
by the fluid is due to molecules colliding with their surroundings.

What is Pressure?
If we think of an imaginary surface within the fluid, the fluid on the two sides of the
surface exerts equal and opposite forces on the surface. (Otherwise, the surface would
accelerate and the fluid would not remain at rest.). Pressure (p) is defined as the normal force
F per unit area A over which the force is applied, or

To define the pressure at a specific point, the pressure is defined as the force dF
exerted by a fluid over an infinitesimal element of area dA containing the point, resulting in

A given force can have a significantly

different effect, depending on the area over which
the force is exerted. For instance, a force applied to
an area of 1 mm2 has a pressure that is 100 times
as great as the same force applied to an area of 1
cm2. That is why a sharp needle is able to poke
through skin when a small force is exerted, but
applying the same force with a finger does not
puncture the skin (shown in the figure).
Referring to the figure, (a) A person being
poked with a finger might be irritated, but the force
has little lasting effect. (b) In contrast, the same
force applied to an area the size of the sharp end of
a needle is enough to break the skin. (Figure Source:
University Physics Volume 1)

Note that although force is a vector, pressure is a scalar. Pressure is a scalar quantity
because it is defined to be proportional to the magnitude of the force acting perpendicular to the

Module 1: Physics 1: Fluid Mechanics 12

surface area. The SI unit for pressure is the pascal (Pa), named after the French
mathematician and physicist Blaise Pascal (1623–1662), where

Several other units are used for pressure, which we discuss later in the lesson. Two
related units, used principally in meteorology, are the bar, equal to and the millibar, equal to 100
Pa.
Caution: In everyday language the words “pressure” and “force” mean pretty much the same thing. In fluid
mechanics, however, these words describe distinct quantities with different characteristics. Fluid pressure acts
perpendicular to any surface in the fluid, no matter how that surface is oriented. Hence pressure has no intrinsic
direction of its own; it’s a scalar. By contrast, force is a vector with a definite direction. Remember, too, that pressure
is force per unit area.

Variation
Note! of pressure with depth in a fluid of constant density!
 Pressure is defined for all states of matter, but it is particularly important when discussing fluids.
 An important characteristic of fluids is that there is no significant resistance to the component of a force
applied parallel to the surface of a fluid.
 The molecules of the fluid simply flow to accommodate the horizontal force. A force applied
perpendicular to the surface compresses or expands the fluid. If you try to compress a fluid, you find
that a reaction force develops at each point inside the fluid in the outward direction, balancing the force
applied on the molecules at the boundary.
 Consider a fluid of constant density as shown in Figure. The pressure at the bottom of the container is
due to the pressure of the atmosphere (p0) plus the pressure due to the weight of the fluid. The pressure
due to the fluid is equal to the weight of the fluid divided by the area. The weight of the fluid is equal to
its mass times the acceleration due to gravity. (Figure Source: University Physics Volume 1)
 Referring to the figure, the bottom of this container supports the entire weight of the fluid in it. The vertical
sides cannot exert an upward force on the fluid (since it cannot withstand a shearing force), so the bottom
must support it all.

 Since the density is constant, the weight can be calculated using the density:

 The pressure at the bottom of the container is therefore equal to atmospheric pressure added to the weight
of the fluid divided by the area:
+ .
 This equation is only good for pressure at a depth for a fluid of constant density.

Atmospheric Pressure
 Atmospheric pressure is the pressure of the earth’s atmosphere, the pressure at the bottom of this sea of
air in which we live.
 This pressure varies with weather changes and with elevation. Normal atmospheric pressure at sea
level (an average value) is 1 atmosphere (atm), defined to be exactly 101,325 Pa. To four significant
figures,

Module 1: Physics 1: Fluid Mechanics 13

 Pressure at a Depth for a Fluid of Constant Density
The pressure at a depth in a fluid of constant density is equal to the pressure of the
atmosphere plus the pressure due to the weight of the fluid, or
,
Where p is the pressure at a particular depth, p0 is the pressure of the atmosphere, ρ is
the density of the fluid, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is the depth.

Eyes here! Example!

What Force Must a Dam Withstand?
Problem! Consider the pressure and force acting on the dam retaining a reservoir of water (shown in the figure).
Suppose the dam is 500-m wide and the water is 80.0-m deep at the dam, as illustrated below. (a) What is
the average pressure on the dam due to the water? (b) Calculate the force exerted against the dam.

 The average pressure p due to the weight of the water is the pressure at the average depth h of 40.0 m,
since pressure increases linearly with depth. The force exerted on the dam by the water is the average
pressure times the area of contact, F = pA.
a. The average pressure due to the weight of a fluid is,
p = hρg

 Entering the density of water and taking h to be the average depth of 40.0 m, we obtain.

b. We have already found the value for p. The area of the dam is.

so that

Module 1: Physics 1: Fluid Mechanics 14

 Pressure in a static fluid in a uniform gravitational field!

A static fluid is a fluid that is not in motion. At any point within a static fluid, the pressure on
all sides must be equal—otherwise, the fluid at that point would react to a net force and
accelerate.
The pressure at any point in a static fluid depends only on the depth at that point. As discussed,
pressure in a fluid near Earth varies with depth due to the weight of fluid above a particular level. the
above examples, we assumed density to be constant and the average density of the fluid to be a
good representation of the density. This is a reasonable approximation for liquids like water, where
large forces are required to compress the liquid or change the volume.

In a swimming pool, for example, the density is approximately constant, and the water at the
bottom is compressed very little by the weight of the water on top. Traveling up in the atmosphere is
quite a different situation, however. The density of the air begins to change significantly just a short
distance above Earth’s surface.

To derive a formula for the variation of pressure with depth in a tank containing a fluid of
density ρ on the surface of Earth, we must start with the assumption that the density of the fluid is
not constant. Fluid located at deeper levels is subjected to more force than fluid nearer to the
surface due to the weight of the fluid above it. Therefore, the pressure calculated at a given depth is
different than the pressure calculated using a constant density.

For Example!!!!!

Imagine a thin element of fluid at a

depth h, as shown in the Figure. Let the
element have a cross-sectional area A
and height Δy. The forces acting upon
the element are due to the pressures
p(y) above and below it. The
weight of the element itself is also shown
in the free-body diagram.

Referring to the figure, forces on a

mass element inside a fluid. The weight
of the element itself is shown in the free
– body diagram. (Figure Source: University
Physics Volume 1)

Module 1: Physics 1: Fluid Mechanics 15

Direction of pressure in a fluid
 Fluid pressure has no direction, being a scalar quantity, whereas the forces due to pressure
have well-defined directions: They are always exerted perpendicular to any surface.

 The reason is that fluids cannot withstand or exert shearing forces. Thus, in a static fluid
enclosed in a tank, the force exerted on the walls of the tank is exerted perpendicular to the
inside surface.
 Likewise, pressure is exerted perpendicular to the surfaces of any object within the fluid. The
figure below illustrates the pressure exerted by air on the walls of a tire and by water on the
body of a swimmer.
 Referring to the figure, (a) Pressure inside this tire exerts forces perpendicular to all
surfaces it contacts. The arrows represent directions and magnitudes of the forces exerted at
various points.
 (b) Pressure is exerted perpendicular to all sides of this swimmer, since the water would
flow into the space he occupies if he occupies if he were not there. The arrows represent the
directions and magnitudes of the forces exerted at various points on the swimmer.

 Note that the forces are larger underneath, due to greater depth, giving a net upward or
buoyant force. The net vertical force on the swimmer is equal to the sum of the buoyant
force and the weight of the swimmer. (Figure Source: University Physics Volume 1)

Module 1: Physics 1: Fluid Mechanics 16

Activity 1
Lesson 2
Name:____________________________________ Date:_____________________

Section & Year: _______________ Instructor: __________________

Task 1! Multiple Choice: Choose the letter which corresponds to the best answer and
eventually make a justification or explanation to credit the selected answer. (2 pts each)

1. What do you call to a fluid that is not in motion?

e.Fluid Pressure
f.Static Fluid
g.Normal Fluid Pressure
h.Density Fluid
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________.
4. Considered as the pressure of the earth’s atmosphere and the pressure at the bottom of the sea of air in
which we live.
e. atmospheric pressure
f. normal atmospheric pressure
g. pressure
h. fluid pressure
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________.
5. Why do fluids enclose to have no significant resistance to the component of a force applied parallel to the
surface of a fluid?
e. because the weight of the fluid is equal to its volume times the acceleration due to gravity
f. because the molecules of the fluid simply flow to accommodate the vertical force
g. because the molecules of the fluid simply flow to accommodate the horizontal force
h. because the weight of the fluid is equal to its density times the acceleration due to gravity
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________.
4. What happens to the fluid located at deeper levels in a uniform gravitational field?
e. is subjected to have a lesser density than force nearer to the surface
f. is subjected to have a greater density than force nearer to the surface
g. is subjected to more fluid than force nearer to the surface
h. is subjected to more force than fluid nearer to the surface
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________.
5. What is the International System (SI) unit of pressure?
e. Joules (J)
f. Newton (N)
g. atmosphere (atm)
h. pascal (Pa)
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________.

Task 2! Problem Solving: Read and understand the problem and provide the correct answer.
Place your answer on the space provided with corresponding solution and discussion.

2. The force of Air: In the room described in the previous problem (referring to Lesson 1:
Activity 1: Task 2: problem 1), what is the total downward force on the floor due to an air
pressure of 1.00 atm? (20 pts: Rubrics: illustration 4pts, Identify and Set-up 4 pts, Execution 8 pts,
and Evaluation 4 pts)

Hint: This example uses the relationship among the pressure p of a fluid (air), the area A subjected to that
pressure, and the resulting normal force the fluid exerts!

Solution:

Significance: ________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________.

Module 1: Physics 1: Fluid Mechanics 17

Assessment 1!
Lesson 2

Name:____________________________________ Date:_____________________

Section & Year: _______________ Instructor: _________________

Task 1! Identification: Identify the following items; put your answer on the blank provided.
(2 pts each)

1. Pressure is exerted ____________________ to the surfaces of any object within the fluid.
2. Pressure in a static fluid (in a uniform gravitational field), the density of the air begins to change
significantly just a short distance above ______________________________.
3. Fluid pressure acts ____________________ to any surface in the fluid, no matter how that surface is
oriented.
4. The pressure at any point in a static fluid depends only on the _________________ at that point.
5. Normal atmospheric pressure at sea level (an average value) is ____________________, defined to
be exactly 101,325 Pa.
6. The SI unit for pressure is the pascal (Pa), named after the French mathematician and physicist
_____________________________ (1623–1662).

Task 2! Modified True or False.

Directions: Write TRUE on the space provided if the statement is correct. Write
FALSE if otherwise. Then, CHANGE THE IDENTIFIED WORD/s (in bold) to make the
statement true and place your answer on the space provided. (2pts each)

1. Fluid pressure has no direction, being a vector quantity, whereas the forces due to pressure have
well-defined directions. __________________________
2. A pressure applied perpendicular to the surface compresses or expands the fluid.
________________________________
3. The pressure at a depth in a fluid of constant density is equal to the pressure of the atmosphere plus
the pressure due to the weight of the fluid. __________________________________
4. Pressure is a scalar quantity because it is defined to be proportional to the magnitude of the force
acting perpendicular to the surface area. _________________________________
5. When a fluid (either liquid or gas) is in motion, it exerts a force perpendicular to any surface in contact
with it, such as a container wall or a body immersed in the fluid.
___________________________________
6. While the pressure as a whole is at rest, the molecules that make up the fluid are in motion.
___________________________________

Task 3! Graphic Organizer: On the space provided (referring to the graphic organizer), provide a key
concept about “Fluid Pressure” and briefly discuss each concept. (30 pts – 5pts each!)
(Rubrics: Selected concept 2pts, Explanation or presentation of ideas 2pts, originality -
composition 1 pt).

Place your discussions here!

1.________________________________
_________________________________.

2.________________________________
_________________________________.

FLUID 3.________________________________
_________________________________.
PRESSURE
4.________________________________
_________________________________.

5. ________________________________
_________________________________.

6.________________________________
_________________________________.

Module 1: Physics 1: Fluid Mechanics 18

 ACTIVITY CHECK!

Name:____________________________________ Date:_____________________

Section & Year: _______________ Instructor: __________________

Physics 1 – Fluid Mechanics
Photo Search: 2nd Semester A.Y 2021-2022

Task 1: PHOTO SEARCH: Provide a specific example of a photo based output on the
topics listed below. (You can browse it in the internet or draw.) Make sure to include a
description and place it in the table provided. (6pts each)

TOPICS DESCRIPTION PHOTO

1. Atmospheric
Pressure

6. Fluid Pressure

7. Blood Pressure

8. Low Pressure –
Weather System

9. High Pressure
Weather System

Module 1: Physics 1: Fluid Mechanics 19

 Module 1: MEASURING
PRESSURE

LESSON NO. 3
LESSON TITLE Measuring Pressure
OBJECTIVES: By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:
 define atmospheric pressure, hydrostatic pressure and gauge
pressure;
 explain various methods for measuring pressure;
 understand the working of open-tube barometers;
 describe in detail how manometers and barometers operate; and
 solve problems involving pressure and relate it to daily situations.

 Do this

1. Hold an inflated balloon and immerse it in a pail of water. Do you feel the pressure on
your hand? This is called hydrostatic pressure. How do we measure hydrostatic
pressure? (Note: while conducting the activity make a video recording & include it in the
submission of other activities – 10 points)
_______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________.

2. Fill a plastic bottle with water 2/3 full. Cover the mouth with an index card and turn the
bottle upside down while holder the card. Remove the card from underneath. Did the card
hold up the water or is it atmospheric pressure? What is atmospheric pressure? (Note:
while conducting the activity make a video recording & include it in the submission of other
activities – 10 points)
______________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________.

I can help you understand better about atmospheric pressure and hydrostatic pressure by
going through the discussion below.

What is Atmospheric Pressure?

The atmosphere is a deep ocean of air which also exerts pressure on us. This is called
as atmospheric pressure, . We seldom notice the air pressure because the fluids in our
body also exert pressure that balances the pressure of the atmosphere.
The atmospheric pressure decreases as elevation increases due to the decrease of air
density. This is why our ears “pop up” (quite painful) when the airplane you are on board
ascends. Others place ear plug or ear phone over their ears to avoid this pain. How about you?
Do you have other ways to do it? You can share it to the class using physics concept/s.

Module 1: Physics 1: Fluid Mechanics 20

 Referring to the figure (Figure 3.1), it was
Evangelista Torricelli (1608 – 1647), an Italian
Physicist, who made the first accurate measurement
of atmospheric pressure. He inverted carefully a
mercury – filled long glass tube over a vessel of
mercury.
In figure 3.2, it turns out that about 760 mm
of mercury (Hg) remained inside the tube. He
concluded that this is the column supported by the
atmospheric pressure.
Figure 3.1 Evangelista Torricelli

The atmospheric pressure at sea level is

equivalent to
. The device used to measure atmospheric
pressure is called Barometer.

Self-check 3.1. Why do astronauts have to wear

pressurized suits in the outer space? (visit
http://science.howstuffworks.com/space-suit.htm for an
answer. (10 pts)
Figure 3.2 An image of Torricelli’s
_____________________________________________
Set
_____________________________________________
____________________________________________.

What is Hydrostatic Pressure?

 Liquid pressure is called Hydrostatic Pressure. At any point within the liquid, the force that produces this
pressure is exerted in all directions.
 Like air pressure, hydrostatic pressure also increases with depth. At uniform density, hydrostatic
pressure depends only on the depth and is independent on the size or shape of the container (see figure
3.3).
 Figure 3.4, shows that pressure increases with depth. (Referring to the figure, Make three holes for a
container which is completely filled with water. Holes must be equal in size but at different heights. It can be
noted that water coming from top hole comes with less pressure – covers less distance and the water
comes from the last hole with greater pressure.) Pressure increases with depth.

Figure 3.3 Illustration of Independence of pressure on Figure 3.4 Image showing that pressure increases
the shape and size of the container with depth

 Hydrostatic Pressure = height (h) x density ( ) x gravitational acceleration (g):

Module 1: Physics 1: Fluid Mechanics 21

 Self-check 3.2. How does the water pressure in a small pool 1m below the surface compared with
pressure at the same level in a big lake? (10 pts)
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________.

Gauge Pressure vs. Absolute Pressure!

Note!
 Suppose the pressure gauge on a full scuba tank reads 3000 psi, which is approximately 207
atmospheres. When the valve is opened, air begins to escape because the pressure inside the tank is
greater than the atmospheric pressure outside the tank.
 Air continues to escape from the tank until the pressure inside the tank equals the pressure of the
atmosphere outside the tank.
 At this point, the pressure gauge on the tank reads zero, even though the pressure inside the tank is
actually 1 atmosphere the same as the air pressure outside the tank. Most pressure gauges, like the one
on the scuba tank, are calibrated to read zero at atmospheric pressure.
 Pressure readings from such gauges are called gauge pressure, which is the pressure relative to the
atmospheric pressure.
 When the pressure inside the tank is greater than atmospheric pressure, the gauge reports a positive
value. Some gauges are designed to measure negative pressure. For example, many physics experiments
must take place in a vacuum chamber, a rigid chamber from which some of the air is pumped out.
 The pressure inside the vacuum chamber is less than atmospheric pressure, so the pressure gauge on
the chamber reads a negative value. Unlike gauge pressure, absolute pressure accounts for
atmospheric pressure, which in effect adds to the pressure in any fluid not enclosed in a rigid container.

What is Gauge Pressure?

An object underwater is acted by atmospheric and hydrostatic pressure. The
total pressure acting on the object is Absolute Pressure. The difference in the absolute
pressure and atmospheric pressure is called Gauge Pressure.

Or

What is Absolute Pressure?

Hydrostatic pressure and atmospheric pressure have useful connection as the
first depends on the atmospheric pressure pushing on the liquid’s surface. The sum of
atmospheric Pressure and the gauge pressure, is called as the Absolute
Pressure, . The equation below shows the relationship.

Module 1: Physics 1: Fluid Mechanics 22

 Self-check 3.3. Do this. Get two cans of the same height but with the different diameters. Punch a hole at the
same level, and then cover with tape. Fill the two cans with water then remove the tapes. Which can will have
longer water range? Why? (10 pts)

________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________.

Gauge Pressure vs. Absolute Pressure!

Sample Problem!
 On a regular morning, a scuba diver swims deep down ocean surface to observe corals (shown in the figure
3.5). How much is the water pressure, on the diver 10 m below the surface if the seawater’s density is
1025 kg/ ? How much is the absolute pressure, ?

Answer: 201, 750 Pa

Given: ,

Solution: - water pressure

- absolute pressure

 Did you make it right? Congratulations! Now, try to answer the next real – life question. You can watch the
video first before answering.

Self-check 3.4. Deep sea diving is dangerous. Proper training is needed to respond properly to the
large pressure underneath. Why do deep sea divers have to swim slowly in going back to the water
surface? What is the danger posed by swimming back quickly to the surface? (Note:
http://scuba.about.com/od/scuba101/a/Under-Pressure.htm for an answer) (10 pts)
________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________.

Measuring Pressure!
A host of devices are used for measuring pressure, ranging from tire gauges to blood
pressure monitors. Many other types of pressure gauges are commonly used to test the
pressure of fluids, such as mechanical pressure gauges. We will explore some of these in this
section.
Any property that changes with pressure in a known way can be used to construct a
pressure gauge. Some of the most common types include strain gauges, which use the
change in the shape of a material with pressure; capacitance pressure gauges, which use the
change in electric capacitance due to shape change with pressure; piezoelectric pressure

Module 1: Physics 1: Fluid Mechanics 23

gauges, which generate a voltage difference across a piezoelectric material under a pressure
difference between the two sides; and ion gauges, which measure pressure by ionizing
molecules in highly evacuated chambers. Different pressure gauges are useful in different
pressure ranges and under different physical situations. Some examples are shown in Figure
3.6.

Measuring Pressure!
 Referring to the figure, (a) Gauges are used to measure and monitor pressure in gas cylinders.
Compressed gases are used in many industrial as well as medical applications.
 (b) Tire pressure gauges come in many different models, but all are meant for the same purpose: to
measure the internal pressure of the tire. This enables the driver to keep the tires inflated at optimal
pressure for load weight and driving conditions.
 (c) An ionizing gauge is a high-sensitivity device used to monitor the pressure of gases in an enclosed
system. Neutral gas molecules are ionized by the release of electrons and the current is translated into a
pressure reading. Ionization gauges are commonly used in industrial applications that rely on vacuum
systems. (Figure Source: U)

Figure 3.6 Gauges used to measure and monitor

pressure
MANOMETERS
 One of the most important classes of pressure gauges applies the property that pressure due to the weight
of a fluid of constant density is given by p = hρg.
 The U-shaped tube shown in Figure 3.7 is an example of a manometer; in part (a), both sides of the tube
are open to the atmosphere, allowing atmospheric pressure to push down on each side equally so that its
effects cancel.
 A manometer with only one side open to the atmosphere is an ideal device for measuring gauge
pressures. The gauge pressure is pg = hρg and is found by measuring h.
 For example, suppose one side of the U-tube is connected to some source of pressure pabs, such as the
balloon in part (b) of the figure or the vacuum-packed peanut jar shown in part (c).
 Referring to the figure, an open – tube manometer has one side open to the atmosphere. (a) Fluid depth
must be the same on both sides, or the pressure each side exerts at the bottom will be unequal and liquid
will floor from the deeper side.
 (b) A positive gauge pressure transmitted to one side of the manometer can support a column of
fluid of height h.
 (c) Similarly, atmospheric pressure is greater than a negative gauge pressure by an amount . The
jar’s rigidity prevents atmospheric pressure from being transmitted to the peanuts. (Figure Source: University
Physics Volume 1)
0

Figure 3.7 U – Shaped tube

Manometers.

 Pressure is transmitted undiminished to the manometer, and the fluid levels are no longer equal. In part (b),
pabs is greater than atmospheric pressure, whereas in part (c), pabs is less than atmospheric pressure. In
both cases, pabs differs from atmospheric pressure by an amount hρg, where ρ is the density of the fluid in
the manometer.

Module 1: Physics 1: Fluid Mechanics 24

Measuring Pressure!

Barometers!

Manometers typically use a U-shaped tube of a fluid (often mercury) to measure

pressure. A barometer (see Figure 3.8) is a device that typically uses a single column of
mercury to measure atmospheric pressure. The barometer, invented by the Italian
mathematician and physicist Evangelista Torricelli (1608–1647) in 1643, is constructed from a
glass tube closed at one end and filled with mercury.
The tube is then inverted and placed in a pool of mercury. This device measures
atmospheric pressure, rather than gauge pressure, because there is a nearly pure vacuum
above the mercury in the tube. The height of the mercury is such that hρg = patm. When
atmospheric pressure varies, the mercury rises or falls.
Weather forecasters closely monitor changes in atmospheric pressure (often reported
as barometric pressure), as rising mercury typically signals improving weather and falling
mercury indicates deteriorating weather. The barometer can also be used as an altimeter, since
average atmospheric pressure varies with altitude.
Mercury barometers and manometers are so common that units of mm Hg are often
quoted for atmospheric pressure and blood pressures.

Figure 3.8 Single Column Barometer.

Module 1: Physics 1: Fluid Mechanics 25

Activity 1
Lesson 3
Name:____________________________________ Date:_____________________

Section & Year: _______________ Instructor: ____________________________

Task 1! Identification: Identify the following items; put your answer on the blank
provided. (2 pts each)

2. The atmospheric pressure decreases as elevation increases due to the decrease of

_________________________.
2. _________________________ (1608 – 1647), an Italian Physicist, who made the first
accurate measurement of atmospheric pressure.
3. Atmospheric pressure is greater than a negative ___________________ by an amount .
4. A _______________________ with only one side open to the atmosphere is an ideal device
for measuring gauge pressures.
5. An ______________________ is a high-sensitivity device used to monitor the pressure of
gases in an enclosed system.
6. The difference in the absolute pressure and atmospheric pressure is called
______________________.
7. Weather forecasters closely monitor changes in atmospheric pressure (often reported as
barometric pressure), as rising mercury typically signals improving weather and falling mercury
indicates __________________________.
8. The sum of atmospheric Pressure and the gauge pressure, is called as the
____________________________.
9. The pressure inside the vacuum chamber is less than atmospheric pressure, so the pressure
gauge on the chamber reads a ________________________.
10. Liquid pressure is called _________________________________.

Task 2! Problem Solving: Read and understand the problem and provide the correct answer.
Place your answer on the space provided with corresponding solution and discussion.

3. Finding Absolute and Gauge Pressures: Water stands 12.0 m deep in a storage tank
whose top is open to the atmosphere. What are the absolute and gauge pressures at
the bottom of the tank? (20 pts: Rubrics: illustration 4pts, Identify and Set-up 4 pts,
Execution 8 pts, and Evaluation 4 pts)

Hint: This problem uses the Absolute and Gauge Pressure Concept. Use the above given
formulas!

Solution:

Significance: ________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________.

Module 1: Physics 1: Fluid Mechanics 26

Assessment 1!
Lesson 3

Name:____________________________________ Date:_____________________

Section & Year: _______________ Instructor: ____________________________

Task 1! Graphic Organizer: On the space provided (referring to the graphic organizer),
provide a key concept about “Atmospheric Pressure” and briefly discuss each concept. (30
pts – 5pts each!) (Rubrics: Selected concept 2pts, Explanation or presentation of ideas 2pts,
originality - composition 1 pt).

Place your discussions here!

1.________________________________
_________________________________.

2.________________________________
_________________________________.

Atmospheric 3.________________________________
_________________________________.
Pressure
4.________________________________
_________________________________.

5. ________________________________
_________________________________.

6.________________________________
_________________________________.

ACTIVITY CHECK!
Name:____________________________________ Date:_____________________

Section & Year: _______________ Instructor: ____________________________

Physics 1 – Fluid Mechanics

Photo Search: 2nd Semester A.Y 2021-2022

Task 1: PHOTO SEARCH: Provide a specific example of a photo based output on the
topics listed below. (You can browse it in the internet or draw.) Make sure to include a
description/uses and place it in the table provided. (6pts each)

TOPICS DESCRIPTION/USES PHOTO

1. Hydrostatic Pressure

2. Gauge Pressure

Module 1: Physics 1: Fluid Mechanics 27

 MODULE NO. 1
Pascal’s Principle & Hydraulics
LESSON NO. 4
LESSON TITLE Pascal’s Principle & Hydraulics
OBJECTIVES: By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:
 describe applications of Pascal’s principle;
 explain how hydraulic machines work;
 derive relationships between forces in a hydraulic system;
 use the principle of Pascal to explain some phenomena; and
 use Pascal’s principle to solve some problems involving fluids.

Pascal’s Principle!
 Do this

1. Inflate a balloon. Exert a pressure by squeezing one of its part. Have you noticed the air
the pressure is transmitted to the other part of the balloon? What do you call this
principle? (Note: while conducting the activity make a video recording & include it in the
submission of other activities – 10 points)
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________.

Can you lift a barrel of oil? Or an elephant? With your bare hands, you probably cannot
do it unless you are Superman, but with the aid of fluid pressure, lifting heavy objects using
minimal force is possible. The principle on fluid pressure is used in several machines.

In 17th century, a French Physicist

named Blaise Pascal (shown in the figure 4.1)
found that any pressure exerted on a confined
liquid is transmitted undiminished throughout the
containing liquid. This finding is known as
Pascal’s Principle. This principle is manifested
in many of our daily activities.

Pascal’s principle is commonly used in

many hydraulic systems. Machine that operates
by transmitting pressure through a liquid are
called Hydraulic Machines. Dentist’s chair and
barber’s chair, hydraulic jack, hydraulic brakes,
car lifts in automobile shops, caterpillar tracks
seen in construction sites are some of the
common hydraulic machines (see figures below)

Figure 4.1 Blaise Pascal (1623 - 1662).

Module 1: Physics 1: Fluid Mechanics 28

Pascal’s Principle!
Pascal’s principle (also known as Pascal’s law) states that when a change in
pressure is applied to an enclosed fluid, it is transmitted undiminished to all portions of the
fluid and to the walls of its container. In an enclosed fluid, since atoms of the fluid are free
to move about, they transmit pressure to all parts of the fluid and to the walls of the
container. Any change in pressure is transmitted undiminished. Note that this principle does
not say that the pressure is the same at all points of a fluid which is not true, since the
pressure in a fluid near Earth varies with height.

Figure 4.2 shows how the force from the brake pedal that is transmitted to the
wheel brake cylinder (see this link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bMg_j5_AGMg) to
watch how the force and the pressure is
transmitted in hydraulics brakes.
Hydraulic brakes use Pascal’s Principle.
The driver pushes the brake pedal,
exerting a force that is increased by the
simple lever and again by the hydraulic
system.
Each of the identical wheel
cylinders receives the same pressure
and therefore creates the same output
. The circular cross – sectional areas
of the pedal and wheel cylinders are
represented by and respectively.

Figure 4.2 Hydraulic Brake

Hydraulic Pressure!
Let us take a hydraulic car lift as an example to show how Pascal’s Principle
works (see figure 4.3). Basically, hydraulic car lift has two cylinders with pistons, one with
smaller cross – sectional area, and the one other with bigger cross – sectional area .
The load (output force), is placed at the bigger piston and the applied force (output force) is
exerted at the smaller cylinder where the load (output force), is lifted. See link
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3ormYVZMXE for the video.

The pressure exerted in the

small piston is

and the pressure in the big piston

is

Based from Pascal’s Principle,

the pressure exerted in one
portion of the enclosed liquid is transmitted in all parts of the liquid. Hence, the pressure in
the small cylinder is the same as the pressure transmitted in the bigger cylinder. The input
force therefore is multiplied at the second cylinder. Output Force depends on the ratio
of the two areas and . The equations are shown as

or , which can be expressed as .

Module 1: Physics 1: Fluid Mechanics 29

 Hydraulic Pressure!
Referring to the above figure, (a) A hydraulic jack operates by applying forces
( ) to an incompressible fluid in a U – tube, using a movable piston ( ) on each
side of the tube. (b) Hydraulic jacks are commonly used by car mechanics to lift vehicles so
that repairs and maintenance can be performed. (credit b: modification of work by Jane Whitney)

See https://courses.lumenlearning.com/physics/chapter/11-5-pascalls-principle/
for additional discussion on Pascal’s Principle.

Sample Problem!
 A hydraulic car lift has two pistons with sectional areas of and . If a 2,000-kg car is placed
on the bigger piston, how much input force is required to lift the car up?

Answer:
Given: , , , unknown

Solution:

Module 1: Physics 1: Fluid Mechanics 30

Activity 1
Lesson 4
Name:____________________________________ Date:_____________________

Section & Year: _______________ Instructor: _________________

Task 1! Identification: Identify the following items; put your answer on the blank
provided. (2 pts each)

1. Machine that operates by transmitting pressure through a liquid are called

_________________________.
2. Based from Pascal’s Principle, the pressure exerted in one portion of the enclosed liquid is
transmitted in all parts of the _________________________.
3. In 17th century, a French Physicist named ______________________________ found that
any pressure exerted on a confined liquid is transmitted undiminished throughout the containing
liquid.
4. __________________________ is commonly used in many hydraulic systems.
5. ____________________________ are commonly used by car mechanics to lift vehicles so
that repairs and maintenance can be performed.
6. Pascal’s principle is also known as ______________________ states that when a change in
pressure is applied to an enclosed fluid, it is transmitted undiminished to all portions of the fluid
and to the walls of its container.
7. The pressure in a fluid near Earth varies with __________________________.
8-10. In the Hydraulic brakes, the driver pushes the brake pedal, exerting a ___________ that is
increased by the _______________________and by the _____________________.

Task 2! Point of Discussion: Read and understand the problem and provide the correct
answer. Place your discussion on the space.

1. Self-check: Suppose the diameter in the above figure (hydraulic car lift) is
bigger than , how does the change in fluid level in compare to the distance
the car was lifted? How do you compare and ? (20 pts: Rubrics:
Concept/content 10pts & presentation of ideas 10 pts)

Discussion: _________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
_______________________.

Module 1: Physics 1: Fluid Mechanics 31

Assessment 1!
Lesson 4

Name:____________________________________ Date:_____________________

Section & Year: _______________ Instructor: __________________

Task 1! Graphic Organizer: On the space provided (referring to the graphic organizer),
provide a key concept about “Pascal’s principle” and briefly discuss each concept. (30 pts
– 5pts each!) (Rubrics: Selected concept 2pts, Explanation or presentation of ideas 2pts, originality
- composition 1 pt).

Place your discussions here!

1.________________________________
_________________________________.

2.________________________________
_________________________________.

Pascal’s 3.________________________________
_________________________________.
Principle
4.________________________________
_________________________________.

5. ________________________________
_________________________________.

6.________________________________
_________________________________.

Task 2! Problem Solving: Read and understand the problem and provide the correct answer.
Place your answer on the space provided with corresponding solution and discussion.

1. Self-check: A tank is filled with water at a depth of 1.5m. What is the pressure at
the bottom of the tank due to the water alone? (10 pts: Rubrics: illustration 2pts,
Identify and Set-up 2 pts, Execution 4 pts, and Evaluation 2 pts)

Hint: See above equations!

Solution:

Significance: ________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________.

Module 1: Physics 1: Fluid Mechanics 32

Assessment 1!
Lesson 4

Name:____________________________________ Date:_____________________

Section & Year: _______________ Instructor: _________________

Task 2! Problem Solving: Read and understand the problem and provide the correct
answer. Place your answer on the space provided with corresponding solution and discussion.

2. Self-check: A nurse administers medication in a saline solution to a patient by infusion

into a vein in the patient’s arm. The density of the solution is and the
gauge pressure inside the vein is How high above the insertion point where
the container be hung so that there is sufficient pressure to force the fluid into the
patient? (10 pts: Rubrics: illustration 2pts, Identify and Set-up 2 pts, Execution 4
pts, and Evaluation 2 pts)

Hint: See above equations!

Solution:

Significance: ________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________.

Module 1: Physics 1: Fluid Mechanics 33

See References…

1. 3G E-LEARNING FZ LLC, General Physics 1, Copyright 2017

2. 3G E-LEARNING FZ LLC, General Physics 2, Copyright 2017
3. Sears, Zemansky& Young, College Physics 7 th Edition, 2015
4. Young, Hugh D. & Freedman, Roger A., UNIVERSITY PHYSICS, 10 th
edition, Addison Wesley Publishing Company, Inc., USA, 2000
5. Serway, Raymond A. &Faughn, Jerry S., COLLEGE PHYSICS, 6 th edition,
Thomson Learning Asia, Singapore, 2003
6. Giancoli, D., PHYSICS, 6th edition, Pearson Education South Asia Pte Ltd.,
Philippines, 2003

E-books:
1. University Physics Volume 1
2. University Physics (Young & Freedman, 13th Edition)

Module 1: Physics 1: Fluid Mechanics 34