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The Physics of Fluids
Learning Objectives
• • Explain how hydraulic systems use fluid principles.
• • Identify applications of Pascal's and Archimedes' principles.
• • Design simple activities/models showing effects of pressure,
force, area, density, and buoyancy.
What is a Fluid?
• A fluid is any substance that flows and takes the shape of its
container.
• Examples: water, oil, air.
Properties of Fluids
• • Density
• • Pressure
• • Viscosity
• • Buoyancy
Fluid Pressure
• Pressure = Force/Area
• Fluid pressure increases with depth and density.
Pascal's Principle
• Pressure applied to an enclosed fluid is transmitted equally in
all directions.
• Applications: hydraulic jack, brakes, lifts.
Hydraulic Systems
• Small input force can produce a larger output force using
different piston areas.
Simple and Compound Machines
• Hydraulic systems improve machine efficiency in jacks,
presses, excavators, and lifts.
Archimedes' Principle
• Buoyant force equals the weight of the displaced fluid.
• Explains floating and sinking.
Applications
• Home: syringe
• Community: water towers
• Business: hydraulic press
• Transportation: ships, submarines, aircraft brakes
Investigation Activity
• Build a simple hydraulic lift using two syringes and tubing.
• Investigate how piston size affects lifting force.
Group Design Challenge
• Design a model demonstrating effects of pressure or
buoyancy.
• Present observations and explanation.
Assessment
• 1. Why do ships float?
• 2. How do hydraulic brakes work?
• 3. How does depth affect pressure?
Summary
• • Fluids flow.
• • Pressure depends on force, area, depth.
• • Pascal: pressure transmission.
• • Archimedes: buoyancy.
References
• DepEd MATATAG General Science
• OpenStax College Physics
• Halliday, Resnick & Walker