A diver descends below the surface in a freshwater lake on Earth
PHYSICS · Single correct · AP · Physics 1: Algebra-based · Fluids · Fluids
Problem
A diver descends 6.0m below the surface in a freshwater lake on Earth, where g=9.8m/s2. A second diver descends to the same depth in an identical lake on a moon where g=1.6m/s2. Which statement best describes how the gauge pressures experienced by the two divers compare?
(a) Both divers experience the same gauge pressure because the depth and fluid are identical.
(b) The diver on Earth experiences about 1.6 times greater gauge pressure since Earth’s g exceeds the moon’s by about 1.6.
(c) The diver on Earth experiences about six times greater gauge pressure because Earth’s gravitational acceleration is about six times larger.
(d) The diver on the moon experiences greater gauge pressure because lower gravity allows more water to press down per unit area.