Pressure of air inside a glass

In summary, when a plastic card is placed on top of an uncovered glass, the pressure inside the glass is reduced due to the interaction between the air particles and the card. However, this reduction in pressure may be countered by the weight and density of the card resting on the glass. The resulting pressure in the glass may be either higher or lower than atmospheric pressure, depending on the thickness and weight of the card.
  • #1
Pushoam
962
51
TL;DR Summary
How does putting a cover affect the pressure inside a glass filled with air?
Let's consider an uncovered glass. Air particles are present in the glass.
1679724724893.png

$$ P_1 = P_a$$ $$P_2 =P_1 +\rho gh = P_a +\rho g h$$where ##P_A## is atmospheric pressuere and ##\rho ## is air density.
1679725186723.png

Now, if I cover the glass with a plastic card, then what is ## P_1##?
$$P_2 =P_1 +\rho gh $$
1) ## P_1 ## is pressure due to motion of air particles and the air particles near the cover interact with the cover and its speed may change and hence ##P_1## may be less or more than ##P_a##.

2) Following three forces are acting on the cover:
1679725733426.png

a) force due to pressure ##P_1## of air particles
b) normal force N due to glass walls
c) cover's weight W

Applying Newton's first law gives,
$$ P_1 A+ N = W$$ $$P_1 A = W - N$$
Now, since normal force is self-adjustable, let's take a light plastic card such that N = 0. Hence, in this case ##P_1 A = W ##.
For a plastic card with mass 20g and area 20cm2, ## P_1 = 10 Pa## which is lower than the atmospheric pressure.
So, the conclusion is: putting a cover reduces the pressure of air inside the glass. Is this correct?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Pushoam said:
So, the conclusion is: putting a cover reduces the pressure of air inside the glass. Is this correct?
No.
There will be a hydrostatic difference in pressure due to the thickness of the card, but that difference will be overcome by the density of the card, which is resting on the glass.
 
  • Like
Likes russ_watters
  • #3
Baluncore said:
No.
There will be a hydrostatic difference in pressure due to the thickness of the card, but that difference will be overcome by the density of the card, which is resting on the glass.
And/or the card will bend down/inward due to its own weight and the resulting pressure in the glass will be higher than atmospheric.
 
  • #4
Define Pa as the atmospheric pressure at the top edge, inside the glass.
The following four forces are acting on a cover of thickness; t
a) force due to pressure of air from below; A·Pa
b) force due to pressure of air from above; A·(Pa - ρ·g·t)
c) cover's weight; W
d) normal force upwards due to glass wall; N
N + A·Pa = W + A·(Pa - ρ·g·t)
N = W - ρ·g·t
ρ·g·t
is the buoyancy of the card
 

1. What is the pressure of air inside a glass?

The pressure of air inside a glass is typically equal to the atmospheric pressure, which is around 14.7 pounds per square inch (psi) at sea level.

2. How does the pressure of air inside a glass change?

The pressure of air inside a glass can change due to changes in temperature, altitude, or the amount of air inside the glass. For example, if the temperature inside the glass increases, the air molecules will move faster and collide more frequently with the walls of the glass, increasing the pressure.

3. Why does a glass bottle sometimes break when it is heated?

When a glass bottle is heated, the air inside expands due to the increase in temperature. If the bottle is sealed, the expanding air has nowhere to escape, causing an increase in pressure. If the pressure becomes too high, the bottle may break due to the force of the expanding air.

4. Does the shape of the glass affect the pressure of air inside?

Yes, the shape of the glass can affect the pressure of air inside. For example, a tall, narrow glass will have a higher pressure of air inside compared to a short, wide glass with the same amount of air inside. This is because the taller glass has a smaller surface area for the air to push against, resulting in a higher pressure.

5. How is the pressure of air inside a glass measured?

The pressure of air inside a glass can be measured using a pressure gauge or a barometer. These instruments measure the force exerted by the air molecules on a given area, typically in units of psi or pascals (Pa).

Similar threads

Replies
9
Views
2K
Replies
27
Views
2K
Replies
50
Views
3K
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
916
Replies
2
Views
941
Replies
3
Views
959
  • Mechanical Engineering
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
2K
Back
Top