Chapter 20, Problem 9A

When you drink liquid through a straw, it is more accurate to say the liquid is pushed up the straw rather than sucked up the straw. What exactly does the pushing? Explain.

To determine

To Explain: The way, liquid is pushed up the straw.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

The process of a drinking liquid through a straw is similar to operation of barometer.

When one sucks air from the straw which is kept in the liquid, it reduces the air pressure inside the straw. So, pressure inside the straw is low and atmospheric pressure on the liquid is high. The atmospheric pressure on the liquid pushes the liquid into the straw.

Conclusion:

Atmospheric pressure pushes the liquid into the straw due to pressure difference in the straw and liquid.