Chapter 20, Problem 35A

Relative to sea level, would it be slightly more difficult or somewhat easier to drink through a straw at the bottom of a deep mine? At the top of a high mountain? Explain.

To determine

To identify: Whether it will be easier or difficult to drink through a straw at the bottom of a deep mine and at the top a high mountain as compared to sea level

Answer to Problem 35A

It would be difficult to drink using straw at the top of a high mountain and easier at the bottom of a deep mine.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Atmospheric pressure is inversely proportional to the altitude.

At the bottom of a deep mine, atmospheric pressure is higher causing more pressure on the liquid to rise up faster. Thus, less work needs to be done to suck the liquid from straw as the air is dense.

At the top of a high mountain, atmospheric pressure is low, causing less pressure on the liquid to rise up slowly. Thus, more force will be required to suck the liquid from the straw as the air at the top of mountain is very low.

Conclusion:

Thus, due to high atmospheric pressure, it would be easier to drink at the bottom of a deep mine. And, due to less atmospheric pressure, it would be difficult to drink at the top of a high mountain.