Class 9 Science- Chapter 1- Matter In Our Surroundings – Activity 1.10: Investigating the Fluidity and Volume Retention of Liquids

Activity 1.10: Investigating the Fluidity and Volume Retention of Liquids

Objective

To demonstrate that liquids can flow (fluidity) and retain a fixed volume regardless of the shape of the container.

Materials Needed

• Water.
• Cooking oil.
• Milk or juice.
• Measuring cylinder or any measuring container (optional).
• Containers of different shapes (e.g., beaker, glass, bowl, etc.).

Steps to Perform the Activity

1. Preparing Liquids:
   • Collect water, cooking oil, and any other liquid like milk or juice.
2. Pouring the Liquids:
   • Pour one type of liquid (e.g., water) from one container to another with a different shape. Observe the behavior of the liquid during pouring.
3. Measuring Volume:
   • Use a measuring container to measure the volume of the liquid before transferring it to another container.
   • Pour the liquid into another container and measure its volume again.
4. Testing Fluidity:
   • Pour water and cooking oil on a flat surface or tilt the container. Observe how easily the liquids flow.

Observations

1. Shape Changes:
   Liquids take the shape of the container they are poured into. For example, water in a glass takes the shape of the glass, while in a bowl, it spreads accordingly.
2. Volume Retention:
   The volume of the liquid remains the same regardless of the shape of the container. For instance, 100 mL of water remains 100 mL even after being transferred to a different-shaped container.
3. Fluidity:
   Liquids like water and cooking oil flow easily when poured or tilted, showing that they can move freely and do not have a fixed shape.

Also Check – Chapter 1 -MATTER IN OUR SURROUNDINGS -Class 9 – Simplified notes

Concepts Behind the Activity

1. Fluidity of Liquids:
   Liquids can flow because their particles are loosely packed and can move past one another. This property is called fluidity.
2. Fixed Volume of Liquids:
   The particles in a liquid are close enough to maintain a fixed volume but are not rigidly arranged, allowing the liquid to take the shape of the container.
3. Why Liquids Do Not Have a Fixed Shape:
   • In liquids, the intermolecular forces are weaker than in solids, which allows the particles to move and adjust to the shape of the container.
   • However, these forces are strong enough to hold the particles together, ensuring that the liquid has a fixed volume.

Learning Outcomes

1. Liquids Can Flow:
   Liquids are fluid and can easily move from one place to another, unlike solids.
2. Liquids Have a Fixed Volume:
   The volume of a liquid remains constant regardless of the shape of the container.
3. Practical Applications:
   • Liquids are used in pipelines for transportation because of their fluidity.
   • Measuring liquids is precise because they retain a constant volume.

Applications of the Properties of Liquids

1. Daily Life:
   Pouring liquids like water, milk, or oil into different containers for storage or cooking.
2. Industrial Use:
   Transporting liquids like fuel and chemicals through pipelines.
3. Nature:
   Flowing rivers and streams demonstrate the fluidity of water.

Intext and additional Question Answers onActivity 1.10: Investigating the Fluidity and Volume Retention of Liquids

Question 1: Does the volume of liquids remain the same when transferred to different containers?

Yes, liquids maintain a fixed volume, irrespective of the shape of the container.

Question 2: Does the shape of liquids remain the same?

No, liquids take the shape of the container because their particles are not rigidly held together.

Question 3: Do liquids flow easily?

Yes, liquids flow easily because their particles can slide past one another due to weaker intermolecular forces.

Additional Question: How does the fluidity of liquids compare to gases?

Liquids flow less freely than gases because their particles are closer together with moderate forces of attraction, whereas gas particles move independently with negligible forces of attraction.

Conclusion

This activity highlights the unique properties of liquids. Liquids can flow freely, taking the shape of any container while maintaining a fixed volume. These characteristics make them different from solids and gases and useful in various everyday and industrial applications.