Pressure and depth
3 marks · NormalDescribe an experiment you could carry out to show that the pressure in a liquid increases with depth. You may draw a diagram if it helps your description.
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Use a transparent container with holes at different heights, fill with water, and observe how water spurts out further from holes lower down, showing greater pressure.
Must show: description of method, observation linked to pressure, depth mentioned
Also accept: use a manometer at different depths; use a pressure sensor/probe at different depths
Common mistakes: Not mentioning depth or not comparing holes at different levels
Show mark scheme and worked solution
Marking points
M1 · 1 mark · Clearly describes appropriate apparatus (e.g. container with holes or probe)
M2 · 1 mark · Specifies measurements/observations at different depths
A1 · 1 mark · Correctly explains how results show pressure increases with depth
Worked solution
Fill a clear bottle with water, make holes at different heights. Observe that water from holes lower down spurts further, indicating higher pressure with increased depth. Alternatively, note higher readings from a pressure gauge at greater depths.