Chapter U3.2, Problem 4E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation : A beaker and a graduated cylinder are used as rain gauge. Both instruments will give same volume and same height or not are to be decided.

Concept Introduction : After a rainfall, rain can be several inches deep at some places or it may not be so deep on the sidewalks. Rain can be measured using rain gauge. Meteorologists keep track of the amount of rainfall by measuring the height of rain water collected in rain gauge.

Answer to Problem 4E

A beaker and a graduated cylinder will have different base area, so the volume of rain water collected will be different.

The height of rain water in a beaker and a graduated cylinder will be same.

Explanation of Solution

Meteorologists keep track of the amount of rainfall by measuring the height of rain water collected in rain gauge in a particular time period. They use height and not volume to report rainfall. Height of rainfall is same for different containers but volume changes with different containers as the base area are different for a beaker and a graduating cylinder.

Conclusion

Volume and height are proportional for containers with uniform shape and parallel walls.