Section 1.9: Conceptual Questions (Fluids)
These conceptual questions encourage deeper understanding of fluids, beyond calculations. They focus on reasoning, interpretation, and qualitative thinking.
Conceptual Questions
- Why does a steel ship float on water even though steel is denser than water?
- Two identical balloons are inflated — one with helium and one with air. Explain why the helium balloon rises in air while the other does not.
- If you dive into a swimming pool and swim downward, you feel your ears “pop.” Why does this happen? How is it related to pressure?
- Imagine two connected containers with water at different heights. Why does water flow until the heights are equal, even if the shapes of the containers differ?
- Why does squeezing a plastic water bottle make the water squirt out of a small hole?
Practice with Explanations
Example: Why is it easier to float in saltwater than in freshwater?
Saltwater is denser than freshwater. According to Archimedes’ principle,
the buoyant force equals the weight of displaced fluid. Since saltwater
has greater density, a smaller volume displacement provides enough force
to balance body weight — making floating easier.