Funnel Volumes - Volume and Weight
Recommended for grades 9–12.
Introduction
Water drains from an open funnel. How is the volume of water changing with time? At what rate is the water level decreasing? How long will it take for the funnel to drain completely? These are a few questions that can be investigated by collecting weight data for a draining funnel, and then developing a mathematical model to describe the data.
In this activity, you will use a force sensor to measure the weight of a water-filled funnel as it drains. The weight versus time data can be graphed and analyzed using statistical features.
Objectives
- Record weight versus time data for a draining funnel.
- Describe the data using concepts of intercept and slope of a linear function.
Sensors and Equipment
This activity requires each of the following Vernier sensors and equipment (unless otherwise noted):
Additional Requirements
You may also need an interface and software for data collection. What do I need for data collection?
Download Experiment Preview
The student-version preview includes:
- Step-by-step instructions for computer-based data collection
- List of materials and equipment
Note: The experiment preview of the computer edition does not include essential teacher information, safety tips, or sample data. Instructions for Logger Pro and other software (such as LabQuest App or TI handheld software, where available) are on the CD that accompanies the book. We strongly recommend that you purchase the book before performing experiments.
Standards Correlations
See all standards correlations for Real-World Math with Vernier »
Included in the Lab Book
Vernier lab books include a CD with word-processing files of the student instructions, essential teacher information, suggested answers, sample data and graphs, and more.