As part of a science project you investigate the effect of punching holes in a plastic container of water and observing the flow of liquid out of the different holes.If the container has a water level 20 cm above the base and you punch a hole in the side 12 cm high,calculate the speed at which water will initially flow out of the hole.
A)1.25 m/s
B)15.3 m/s
C)12.5 m/s
D)1.50 m/s
E)2.25 m/s

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The speed of water flowing out of the hole can be calculated using Torricelli's Law, which states that the speed $v$ of efflux of a fluid under gravity from a hole at a depth $h$ below the surface is given by $v = \sqrt{2gh}$, where $g$ is the acceleration due to gravity (approximately $9.8 \, \text{m/s}^2$). Given that the water level is 20 cm above the base and the hole is 12 cm high, the depth $h$ of the water above the hole is $20 \, \text{cm} - 12 \, \text{cm} = 8 \, \text{cm} = 0.08 \, \text{m}$. Plugging these values into the formula gives $v = \sqrt{2 \times 9.8 \, \text{m/s}^2 \times 0.08 \, \text{m}} = \sqrt{1.568} \, \text{m/s} \approx 1.25 \, \text{m/s}$.

As Part of a Science Project You Investigate the Effect