Problem 1: [6] Static Pressure Head

Pascal's barrel is the name of a hydrostatics experiment allegedly performed by Blaise Pascal in

1646. The aim of the experiment is to demonstrate hydrostatic pressure by exploding a barrel of

water by connecting a thin and tall pipe to it and filling it with water. This experiment was

successfully demonstrated at Princeton University in 2016. Watch the video Pascal's Blaising

Barrel-Exploding Glass Barrel with Water Pressure in which 1L of water is used to explode a

50L glass barrel which is rated to withstand a pressure of 25 psig.

a. [2] Now imagine that the height of the "straw" used in the experiment was 50. ft. Calculate

the new pressure exerted by this column of water on the barrel in psig and in psi.

b. [2] Is the pressure large enough to explode the barrel at this height?

c. [2] What is the minimum height needed for the barrel to break?

Pascal's law and hydrostatic paradox is further explained in the follow-up video The Hydrostatic

Paradox-Explained. These videos are also found on Canvas in the hydrostatic pressure

module. These videos are excellent and worth your time to watch.