Glycerin is poured into an open U-shaped tube until the height in both sides is 20 cm. Ethyl alcohol is then poured into one arm until the height of the alcohol column is 20 cm. The two liquids do not mix. What is the difference in height between the top surface of the glycerin and the top surface of the alcohol? Suppose that the density of glycerin is 1260 kg/m3and the density of alcohol is 790 kg/m3.

Difference in height = 7.5 cm

Explanation:

We are given;.

Height of ethyl alcohol;h2 = 20 cm = 0.2 m

Density of glycerin: ρ1 = 1260 kg/m³

Density of ethyl alcohol; ρ2 = 790 kg/m³

To get the difference in height, the pressure at the top of the open end must be equal to the pressure at the point where the liquids do not mix since both points will be at different levels after the pouring.

Thus;

P1 = P2

Formula for pressure is; P = ρgh

Thus;

ρ1 × g × h1 = ρ2 × g × h2

g will cancel out to give;

ρ1 × h1 = ρ2× h2

Making h1 the subject, we have;

h1 = (ρ2× h2)/ρ1

h1 = (790 × 0.2)/1260

h1 = 0.125 m

Difference in height will be;

Δh = h2 - h1

Δh = 0.2 - 0.125

Δh = 0.075 m = 7.5 cm