AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based 8 Fluids Questions

Analyse fluid systems through hydrostatic pressure, buoyancy and energy-driven flow, using depth, displaced volume and force balance.

Syllabus
Effective Fall 2024
Course
AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based

Exam points

  • use vertical fluid depth to compare bottom pressure independently of total weight or container shape
  • combine displaced-fluid weight and floating equilibrium to relate buoyancy, density and submerged volume
  • apply Newton's second law to derive and compare the acceleration of submerged objects
  • apply Bernoulli's principle to predict liquid-level changes caused by faster airflow
  • use Torricelli's theorem to compare fluid exit speeds at different depths

Question 1

[Maximum number: 1]

Compare the two columns of water pictured below. They have the same height. Which of the following statements compares the total weight and the pressure at the bottom of the columns?

Figure for Question 1 — AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based
A

Weight and pressure are greater for the wider column.

B

Weight and pressure are the same for both.

C

Weight is greater for the wider column, while pressure is the same.

D

Weight is the same, while pressure is greater for the wider column.

Question 2

[Maximum number: 8]

In Scenario 1, a swimmer holds a block of mass m at rest in a tank of freshwater with density ρ1\rho_{1}, as shown in Figure 1. The block is released from rest and accelerates upward with an initial acceleration a1a_{1}. All frictional forces are negligible.

Figure 1

Figure 1

In Scenario 2, the swimmer holds the same block at rest in a tank of salt water with density ρ2\rho_{2}, where ρ2>ρ1\rho_{2}>\rho_{1}. The swimmer again releases the block from rest, and the block accelerates upward with initial acceleration a2a_{2}. All frictional forces are negligible.

Question (a)

(a)

Indicate whether a1a_{1} is greater than, less than, or equal to a2a_{2} by writing one of the following in your answer booklet.

- a1>a2a_{1}>a_{2}

- a1<a2a_{1}<a_{2}

- a1=a2a_{1}=a_{2} Justify your answer in terms of ALL forces exerted on the block in each scenario. Use qualitative reasoning beyond referencing equations.

[ 3 ]

Question (b)

(b)

Consider the general case where a block of mass m and volume V is completely submerged in a fluid of density ρ\rho.

Starting with Newton's second law, derive an expression for the initial upward acceleration a of the block when the block is released from rest. Express your answer in terms of m,V,ρm, V, \rho, and physical constants, as appropriate. Begin your derivation by writing a fundamental physics principle or an equation from the reference information.

[ 3 ]

Question (c)

(c)

Indicate whether the expression for the acceleration a you derived in part B is or is not consistent with the claim made in part A. Briefly justify your answer by referencing your derivation in part B.

[ 2 ]

Question 3

[Maximum number: 1]

A container of water (pictured below) has two holes in its side allowing two streams of water to emerge as shown. Initially, the lower hole is twice as deep as the higher hole. Which statement best compares the initial velocities of these two streams of water?

Figure for Question 3 — AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based
A

They emerge at the same speed.

B

The lower stream emerges 21/22^{1/2} times as fast as the upper stream.

C

The lower stream emerges 2 times as fast as the upper stream.

D

The lower stream emerges 4 times as fast as the upper stream.

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