Experiment 2: Fluid Dynamics

        The purpose of this lab is to experimentally measure the amount of time it takes to partially empty a bucket of water, and to compare it with the theoretical value calculated using the Bernoulli's equation.

Experiment

Measure the diameter of the small hole at the bottom of the bucket.

Measure the distance between the hole and the surface of water in the bucket.

Measure the time it takes to collect 300mL of water in the beaker.

Experiment conduct

Data:
Volume emptied: 300 ± 15 mL

Height of water: 14.4 ± 0.2 cm

Run #	1	2	3	4	5	6
Time to empty (s)	8.60	8.25	8.78	8.33	8.78	8.40

Analysis:

t_actual = 8.52 ± 0.27s

t_theoretical = 7.01 ± 2.63s
The theoretical value and the experimental value seem to agree within uncertainty.

Run	Time to empty (s)	Theoretical Time (s)	% Error
1	8.60	7.01	22.68%
2	8.25		17.69%
3	8.78		25.25%
4	8.33		18.83%
5	8.78		25.25%
6	8.40		19.83%

Given diameter (mm)	6.0  ± 1.0
Calculated diameter (mm)	5.3 ± 0.1
Error	13.21%

Calculation:

Conclusion:
Although the experimental time still agree within the uncertainty, there is about 20% discrepancy between the theoretical and experimental time. This discrepancy might be caused by inaccurate equipments that are used during the lab such as the beaker. Human's reaction time might also slightly affect the result.