Try it on paper first. A hint, the key idea and the worked solution are here when you need them.
Find the compressibility of water (), of glycerine (), and of air at squeezed slowly. How many times more compressible is the air than the water?
Bulk modulus: ; compressibility . Water: . A gas at a steady temperature has . For a cube, each edge shrinks by a third of the fractional change of volume.
Have you tried it?
Work it out on paper first. It is fine to get stuck or make a mistake: that is how we learn. When you are ready, go through the solution one step at a time, and check each step against your own.
Step 1. Water. .
Step 2. Glycerine. .
Step 3. Air. , so .
Step 4. Ratio. .
Answer: , and ; air is times more compressible.
Watch out. A small bulk modulus means a large compressibility.
Log in to join the discussion.
Loading…