A Cartesian diver or Cartesian devil is a classic science experiment which demonstrates the principle of buoyancy (Archimedes’ principle) and the ideal gas law.

What is the purpose of the Cartesian diver experiment?

A Cartesian diver or Cartesian devil is a classic science experiment which demonstrates the principle of buoyancy (Archimedes’ principle) and the ideal gas law.

Why does a Cartesian diver sink when you squeeze it?

The reason the diver sinks when you squeeze the bottle is because the pressure exerted on the water collapses the sides of the pipette. Squeeze the bottle and watch how the sides of the pipette cave inward. This decreases the volume of the diver.

How do you make a Cartesian diver experiment?

Fit two metal nuts to the bottom of the cut pipette (or add plasticine to the pen cap). Fill the bottle with water all the way to the brim. Float the cut pipette in the water and adjust the weight to allow it to float. Close the bottle and tighten the lid.

What can you use to make a Cartesian diver?

Materials for Cartesian Diver

  1. Empty plastic 1-liter or 2-liter bottle with a lid.
  2. Graduated pipette.
  3. Hex nut (Depending on the size of your pipette)
  4. Scissors.
  5. Optional: Sharpies to decorate your bottle and dropper.
  6. Optional: To make a squiddy diver- electrical tape and disposable plastic glove.

What gas law is the Cartesian diver experiment?

Boyle’s Law
Cartesian Diver’s are an example of Boyle’s Law. Basically Boyle’s Law says that the volume and pressure of a gas (like air) is inverse. Meaning that when you increase one, the other decreases. Increase volume, pressure decreases or increase pressure, volume decreases.

How do Pascal’s law and Archimedes principle apply to the Cartesian diver?

How do Pascal’s law and Archimedes’ principle apply to the Cartesian diver? Pascal’s law states that a pressure applied at any point on a confined incompressible fluid is transmitted equally throughout the fluid.

What is the science behind a Cartesian diver?

What is the Science? When you squeeze the bottle, you are forcing water up into the bendy straw which compresses the air that is trapped inside. This results in enough of an increase in density that the cartesian diver will sink to the bottom. Releasing the bottle decreases the pressure on the diver.

How does Boyle’s Law apply to the Cartesian diver?

Boyle’s Law describes the relationship between pressure and volume. Increasing pressure on a gas will decrease its volume. When the sides of the diver are pressed, the water is forced into the dropper, decreasing the volume of air in the dropper. This makes it more massive and dense, causing it to sink.

Why is my cartesian diver not sinking?

Troubleshoot the diver if it is not working. It should just barely float, with the air bubble (the top of the dropper, the bend in the straw, etc.) just above the water. Make sure that the bottom is sealed for homemade divers, and add a little more or less water to the eyedropper to get the right balance.

What is meant by cartesian diver?

Definition of Cartesian diver : a small hollow glass figure placed in a vessel of water that has an elastic cover so arranged that by an increase of pressure the water can be forced into the figure producing the effects of suspension, sinking, and floating as the pressure varies.

How do the Pascal’s Law apply to the Cartesian diver?

Pascal’s law states that a pressure applied at any point on a confined incompressible fluid is transmitted equally throughout the fluid. When the bottle is pressurized (squeezed) the pressure within the entire bottle and Cartesian diver is increased.