NATIONAL PUBLIC SCHOOL ITPL,

BENGALURU
INVESTIGATORY PROJECT IN
PHYSICS
TO STUDY PASCAL’S LAW AND ITS
APPLICATIONS

SESSION: 2023-24
CLASS – XI A

Name of the candidate: Akkshar Ranjan

Roll No. 5
 NATIONAL PUBLIC SCHOOL
ITPL, BENGALURU

DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS

CERTIFICATE
Certified that the work in this file is the bonafide work of
Akkshar Ranjan, grade XI A, Roll Number 5 recorded in
the school laboratory during the academic year 2023-
2024.

Date:

--------------------------- --------------------------
Teacher in charge External Examiner
 Acknowledgement

I would like to express my gratitude to my Physics teacher Mr. Yathish Kumar DR as

well as our Director Principal Mrs. Vandana Sanjay who gave me the golden opportunity
to do this wonderful project on the topic ‘Pascal’s Law’ which has given me a chance to
spend time on learning and exploring something different and intriguing and has great
relevance as well. The time spent on doing the project was indeed worthwhile.
Next, I would like to thank my friends and classmates who were always open to help and
clarify on any issues I came across without hesitation, which truly aided in my progress
to complete the project. Finally, my parents, who always were there to push me and help
me with any of my requirements at any stage of doing the project.
I sincerely thank all.
Sno Content Pg no

1. Pascal’s Law and its discovery 1

2. Applications of Pascal’s Law 3

3. Explanation and Mechanism of 5

Pascal’s Law
4. Experiment to demonstrate 6
Pascal’s Law
Aim:
Materials:
Procedure:
Observation:
Conclusion:

5. Difference between Pascal’s 8

Law and Bernoulli’s Theorem

6. Misconceptions about Pascal’s 9

Law

7 Conclusion 10

8 Bibliography 12

Index
Topic 1) Pascal’s Law and its discovery:

Pascal's Law was discovered by French mathematician and physicist Blaise Pascal in the 17th century.
In the mid-1600s, Pascal conducted experiments with a hydraulic press, observing that changes in
pressure applied to a confined fluid were transmitted equally in all directions. This led to the formulation
of Pascal's Law, stating that pressure exerted on a fluid in a closed system is transmitted undiminished
throughout the fluid and to the walls of the container. Pascal's work laid the foundation for
understanding the behavior of fluids in hydraulic systems and had significant implications for
engineering applications.
Topic 2) Applications of Pascal’s Law:

Pascal's Law, or Pascal's Principle, has numerous practical applications in various fields. Some notable
applications include:

1. Hydraulic Systems: Pascal's Law is fundamental to the operation of hydraulic systems, where it is
utilized to transmit and amplify force. Hydraulic machinery, such as lifts, cranes, and excavators, relies
on the incompressibility of fluids to transmit pressure and control mechanical movements.

2. Brake Systems: The principle is widely applied in hydraulic brake systems in automobiles. Brake
fluid, under pressure, transmits force equally to all parts of the braking system, allowing effective and
reliable control of vehicle deceleration.

3. Hydraulic Presses: Hydraulic presses use Pascal's Law to generate substantial force for tasks like
metal forming, molding, and crushing. By applying pressure to a small piston, a much larger force can
be exerted on a larger piston, amplifying the mechanical work done.
Topic 3) Explanation and Mechanism of Pascal’s Law:

Pascal's Law Explanation:

Pascal's Law, formulated by Blaise Pascal in the 17th century, states that a change in pressure applied to
an enclosed fluid is transmitted undiminished to all portions of the fluid and to the walls of its container.
In simpler terms, if pressure is applied to a confined fluid, that pressure is transmitted uniformly in all
directions throughout the fluid.

Mechanism:

The mechanism behind Pascal's Law lies in the fact that fluids are nearly incompressible. When pressure
is applied to a small area within a confined fluid, the molecules of the fluid transmit this pressure
equally in all directions. This transmission of pressure is due to the fluid's inability to be compressed
significantly, allowing the force applied at one point to be distributed throughout the entire fluid volume.

This principle forms the basis for the functionality of hydraulic systems, where the transmitted pressure
can be harnessed to perform mechanical work, such as lifting heavy loads or exerting force in various
applications. Pascal's Law has widespread applications in engineering, physics, and various
technological fields, playing a crucial role in the design and operation of hydraulic devices and systems.
Topic 4) Experiment to demonstrate Pascal’s Law:

Aim:
To illustrate Pascal's Law using a simple experiment with matchsticks, demonstrating the transmission
of pressure in confined fluids.

Materials Required:
A small, transparent plastic syringe (without the needle), Water, Matchsticks, Small plastic tube, bowl.

Procedure:
Fill the syringe with water, ensuring there is no air inside. Attach the plastic tube or straw securely to the
open end of the syringe. Arrange matchsticks in a square shape to form a platform on a flat surface.
Ensure the matchsticks are close together to minimize gaps. Carefully place the syringe, with the tube
attached, vertically on top of the matchstick platform. Ensure the syringe is stable and balanced on the
matchsticks. Press the syringe plunger slowly and steadily.

Observations:
As you press the syringe plunger, the water inside the syringe experiences an increase in pressure.
According to Pascal's Law, this increase in pressure is transmitted equally in all directions within the
confined fluid. The pressure transmitted through the water in the syringe causes the matchsticks on the
platform underneath to move. Matchsticks may lift or shift as a result of the transmitted pressure. The
displacement or movement of matchsticks is uniform and occurs across the entire platform. This uniform
displacement illustrates how the pressure is distributed equally in all directions, as per Pascal's Law. The
syringe remains stable on the matchstick platform, supported by the transmitted pressure and the
matchsticks' response.

Conclusion:
Hence, Pascal’s law is demonstrated.
Topic 5) Difference between Pascal’s law and Bernoulli’s Theorem:

Feature Pascal's Law Bernoulli's Equation

Principle Transmission of pressure in Conservation of energy along a
confined fluids fluid streamline
Fluid State Applies to incompressible fluids Applies to both incompressible
and compressible fluids
Pressure Change Pressure change is transmitted Describes the relationship
equally in all directions between pressure, velocity, and
elevation in a fluid
Application Applied in hydraulic systems, Applied in aerodynamics, fluid
hydraulic brakes, and Pascal's dynamics, and understanding
Law experiment fluid flow in pipes
Units Pressure is typically measured Pressure, velocity, and density
in Pascals (Pa) can be measured in various units
depending on the system
Topic 6) Misconceptions about Pascal’s Law:

1. Pressure Increase with Depth:

There might be a misunderstanding that Pascal's Law implies pressure increases with depth in a fluid.
Pascal's Law does not account for changes in pressure due to gravity or depth; it primarily focuses on the
transmission of externally applied pressure within a confined fluid.

2. Applicability to Gases:
Some may erroneously assume that Pascal's Law is universally applicable to both liquids and gases.
Pascal's Law is primarily applicable to incompressible fluids. While it can apply to gases under certain
conditions, the behavior of compressible fluids is more accurately described by other principles and
laws.
Topic 8) Conclusion:

In conclusion,

"Pascal's Law states that any change in pressure applied to an enclosed fluid is transmitted undiminished
to all portions of the fluid and to the walls of its container."
BIBLIOGRAPHY

 www.google.com
 www.wikipedia.com
 www.scribd.com
 www.vedantu.com
 www.byjus.com