Pascal's Principle Lab Idea for AP Physics BC

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around ideas for a lab experiment demonstrating Pascal's Principle, specifically the relationship between force and area in hydraulic systems. Participants explore practical applications and methods for measuring force in such experiments.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • A participant suggests replicating a hydraulic car lift to demonstrate Pascal's Principle but seeks advice on measuring force.
  • Another participant shares a successful project using a 1L plastic bottle connected to a 2L bottle, utilizing pistons to illustrate the principle.
  • One participant proposes using different masses on each piston to measure force based on the weight of the masses.
  • The original poster expresses interest in exploring other applications of Pascal's Principle beyond piston-like objects and inquires about the term "binary acrylic."

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants share various ideas and methods, but there is no consensus on a single approach or application of Pascal's Principle beyond those discussed.

aphan9
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hi, I'm new to this forum and i hope that you guys can help me with this and also in the future, i am currently taking ap physics bc.

i need an idea for a lab on pascal principle (F2/A2) = (F1/A1), i was thinking about replicating a hydraulic car lift, but how would you measure the force?

thanks
 
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hmm... For my son's grade 5 project we used a 1L skinny plastic water bottle connected to a regular 2L pop bottle. We made pistons with the binary acrylic you can buy at most hobby shops. Then connected the two bottles at the bottom. Since the surface areas of the small bottle to the large one, when mostly filled with water and then the pistons were installed you pushed the little piston 3cm and the big one in the pop bottle went up 1 cm. Worked great.
 
One could use different masses on each 'piston'. This way the force would simply be the weight of each mass.
 
that sounds cool, i'll give it a try
does anyone know if there is any other application of pascal's principle besides those involving pistons-like objects?
btw what is binary acrylic?
 

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