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FORM 2 SCIENCE

CHAPTER 6

AIR PRESSURE

6.1 AIR PRESSURE

The air around us presses on the

surfaces of the objects that are in it. This is known as air pressure. The kinetic theory of gases is used to explain the existence of air pressure.

6.1 AIR PRESSURE


The particles collide with surfaces they come into contact with and bounce back

Each collision exerts a force on the surface

Air consists of a large numbers of particles that are moving freely in all directions

The forces produces a pressure on the surface Kinetic theory of gases

6.1 AIR PRESSURE

Experiment to show that air exerts pressure

6.1 AIR PRESSURE


Air pressure increases when volume decreases Explanation: The air particles move about in a smaller space. More particles hit the walls of the container, producing a larger force. Therefore, a higher pressure acts on the wall. Air pressure increases when temperature increases Explanation: The air particles move faster. More particles hit the walls of the container with a greater force. Therefore, the pressure increases.

Volume

Factors affecting air pressure

Temperature

6.2 APPLICATION OF THE PRINCIPLE OF AIR PRESSURE

Applications of air pressure

6.2 APPLICATION OF THE PRINCIPLE OF AIR PRESSURE

Throwing leftovers into a sink can cause

blockage in the drainage pipe. The principle of air pressure is a simple and effective way to remove the blockage.
Plunger is placed over the drainage hole Plunger is pushed down. Air under the rubber sucker is forced out The air pressure is reduced

6.2 APPLICATION OF THE PRINCIPLE OF AIR PRESSURE

Pushing the plunger down reduces the air pressure

6.2 APPLICATION OF THE PRINCIPLE OF AIR PRESSURE


The plunger is pulled Volume of air under the rubber sucker increases The air pressure is reduced

The higher external air pressure pushes the blockage which then flows out with the water

6.2 APPLICATION OF THE PRINCIPLE OF AIR PRESSURE

Pulling the plunger reduces the air pressure

6.2 APPLICATION OF THE PRINCIPLE OF AIR PRESSURE

Have you noticed that two holes are

punched at the top of a can of condensed milk before the milk is poured out? When the milk flows out of the can, the pressure inside the can is reduced. The higher air pressure outside prevents the milk from coming out.

6.2 APPLICATION OF THE PRINCIPLE OF AIR PRESSURE

Can with one hole

6.2 APPLICATION OF THE PRINCIPLE OF AIR PRESSURE

The second hole allows air to enter the

can and fill up the empty space. The air pressure in the can cause the milk to flow out of the can.

Can with two holes

6.2 APPLICATION OF THE PRINCIPLE OF AIR PRESSURE

Gas tanks containing gas under high

pressure are used in various places such as hospitals, factories and vehicles workshops. In a motor workshop, an electrical pump is used to force air into a tank. The air under high pressure is used to drive a wrench to loosen tight screws or nuts. An aerosol can contains gas under high pressure which acts as a propelling agent to drive the liquid content out of

6.2 APPLICATION OF THE PRINCIPLE OF AIR PRESSURE

A wrench driven by air under high pressure

An aerosol can

6.2 APPLICATION OF THE PRINCIPLE OF AIR PRESSURE

Always place the tank upright

Do not place the tank near a heat source

Safety measures when using gas under high pressure

Do not dispose of an aerosol can in a fire

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