Torricelli, Pascal, and PVC Pipe.(Polyvinyl chloride )

From: Science Scope | Date: February 1, 2006| Author: | Copyright information

Byline: J.F. Peck

Photo courtesy of the author

Two giants of science who led the way to our understanding of atmospheric pressure and fluids were Evangelista Torricelli and Blaise Pascal. By conducting experiments inspired by those of Torricelli and Pascal using today's rugged and affordable plumbing materials, students can engage in inquiry-based learning about atmospheric pressure.

A brief history

We begin with Torricelli's 1641 experiment in Florence, Italy. A glass tube, closed at one end, was filled with mercury. The experimenter next placed his finger over ...

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