Science question. Solve them and get 10 points!?

Question

Chia Meng poured oil into two similar bottles using two set-ups A and B. (i don't have the picture of the two set-ups now so i will describe it for you.)

A-there is a thin walled-funnel on the opening of the bottle. Oil is pouring in only some managed to get into the bottle. the others stayed about the funnel.

B- no funnel. just oil pouring in. the oil was able to pour in easily.

Chia Meng noticed that the bottle in set-up B is faster than that in Set-up A. He repeated the experiment a number of times.

a) How did repeating the experiment make the results more accurate?

b) Give a reason why the bottle in set-up B always filled up faster than in set-up A.

c) Based on your answer in b) and using the same apparatus, how could he improve the experiment in set-up A so that the bottle would fill up more quickly?

Thanks,

Bunnie Bones

Answer 1

the funnel was trapping the air

Answer 2

a) repeating the experiment decreases the effect of random variables on the end result.  These can be human error or other random events which may skew the results.  If many results are taken, a more accurate estimate can be created for predicting further repetitions.  

b) One possible reason is that when a funnel is used on a smooth-rimmed receptacle like a bottle, it creates a seal which doesn't allow air to escape as fluid is poured in.  This increases the pressure inside the bottle, slowing the rate at which fluid can pass through the funnel.  A viscous fluid like oil would suffer immensely from this, possibly causing it to fail in pouring through altogether if the funnel were narrow enough.

c) By inserting a spacer between the funnel and bottle, you can allow air to escape as fluid is poured through the funnel.  This would allow it to pass much more quickly.

Edit:  A spacer is anything you can insert between the two objects to create space, preventing the funnel from creating a seal with the bottle.  I apologize if that was unclear.

Answer 3

Bottle a) has a funnel, wich has a smaller opening than the bottles opening wich regulates the oils volume.

Bottle B) has no funnel regulating the oils flow volume into the bottle therefore fills faster.

take away the funnel in set up a. and bottle a) will fill faster..

Answer 4

a. To verify if the 1st attempt was really correct.

b. Because the funnel is stuck on the oppening. If the funnel is lifted a bit up so that air can pass then maybe it will make the oil flow more smoothly. It's a basic rule even in cooking. Funnels should be lifted so there's air...

c. Oh, I just mentioned lol! you should not let the funnel rest on the oppening as there is no air. lift it a bit up and the pour oil.

Hope that helps.