Plan the investigation
What students will do
Start with a guided comparison, then plan an investigation, analyze a graph, and check a prediction.
- Compare depths in water. Measure gauge pressure at several depths below the same open liquid surface.
- Design and collect. Choose at least five liquid densities. Adjust probe depth in each liquid to reach the handout’s fixed gauge-pressure target.
- Linearize the results. Transform density and depth data to form a straight line. Use the fitted slope and target pressure to determine gravitational acceleration.
- Explain and predict. Predict the depth needed in an unused liquid density, set that depth, and compare the measured pressure with the target.
What students will learn
- Distinguish gauge pressure from absolute pressure.
- Control pressure while investigating density and probe depth.
- Determine gravity from a transformed graph and test a depth prediction.
Common misconception
Does the same gauge pressure always mean the same depth?
Students compare liquids of different densities at a matched pressure.