Deformation & Fluid Pressure

Question 1

When a diver descends deeper into the ocean, the pressure on the diver's body increases. Which of the following best explains why the pressure increases with depth?

Accepted Answer

Because the weight of the water above the diver adds to the pressure at that depth.

Answer

Because the temperature of the water increases as the diver goes deeper.

Answer

Because the water becomes less dense the deeper you go.

Answer

Because the water’s viscosity increases with depth, making it harder to move.

Question 2

A marine biologist lowers a sealed, rigid glass aquarium 40 m below the surface of a freshwater lake. She finds that the force on every side of the aquarium is greater than when it is at the surface. Which explanation best describes why the pressure on the aquarium increases with depth?

Accepted Answer

The water above the aquarium adds weight; the weight of the water column pushes down and, because fluids transmit force equally in all directions, this added weight produces a greater pressure on every side of the aquarium.

Answer

The water temperature is higher at greater depth, causing the water to expand and push harder against the aquarium.

Answer

The aquarium’s own weight increases as it goes deeper, so its weight adds to the external pressure on its walls.

Answer

The water becomes saltier and therefore denser with depth, so each additional meter adds more pressure than the one above it.

Question 3

Engineers leave a small gap between the ends of two sections of a railway track. Which statement best explains why this gap is necessary?

Accepted Answer

It allows the metal to expand when it gets hot without causing the track to buckle.

Answer

It makes the track stronger by adding extra material.

Answer

It prevents the metal from contracting when the temperature drops.

Answer

It lets rainwater drain away from the track joints.

Try three questions

When a diver descends deeper into the ocean, the pressure on the diver's body increases. Which of the following best explains why the pressure increases with depth?

A marine biologist lowers a sealed, rigid glass aquarium 40 m below the surface of a freshwater lake. She finds that the force on every side of the aquarium is greater than when it is at the surface. Which explanation best describes why the pressure on the aquarium increases with depth?

Engineers leave a small gap between the ends of two sections of a railway track. Which statement best explains why this gap is necessary?

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