Seawater has an average density of

PHYSICS · Multi-part · CBSE · Physics · Mechanical Properties of Fluids · Mechanical Properties of Fluids

Problem

Seawater has an average density of 1.03×103 kg m−31.03\times10^{3}\,\text{kg}\,\text{m}^{-3}. A scuba diver initially at the surface descends to a depth of 30 m30\,\text{m} below sea level. Assume the density of seawater remains essentially constant over this depth range and take atmospheric pressure at the surface to be 1.01×105 Pa1.01\times10^{5}\,\text{Pa}. (a) Calculate the gauge pressure exerted on the diver at 30 m30\,\text{m} depth. (b) Determine the absolute pressure experienced by the diver at that depth. (c) Despite the large increase in pressure, the volume of the water surrounding the diver changes negligibly. Explain why this is the case, referencing relevant physical properties of the liquid. (d) Suppose the entire water column warms uniformly by 5∘C5^{\circ}\text{C} while the diver remains at 30 m30\,\text{m}. Assuming the density of the seawater does not change appreciably, describe qualitatively how (if at all) the pressure at the diver’s depth would change and explain your reasoning.

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