Competency #4
Answer and Explanation
The correct answer is False.
Before the experiment begins, the pressure above and below the paper are equal (atmospheric pressure, or approximately 14.7 psi near sea level). By blowing under the paper, the velocity of the air under the paper is increased while the velocity of the air above the paper is unchanged (still zero).
Bernoulli's Principle says that as the fluid velocity increases, the pressure decreases.
Therefore, the pressure below the paper therefore is decreased and the pressure above the paper is unchanged. Therefore the pressure above the paper will push the paper down toward the newly formed low-pressure region.
Try this experiment yourself!!
© 2008 Anne Arundel Community College