GED Science TestPhysical ScienceEasy
A diver is exploring a coral reef at a depth of 10 meters. The pressure at the surface of the water is 1 atmosphere (atm). Given that every 10 meters of seawater adds approximately 1 atm of pressure, what is the total pressure experienced by the diver at that depth?
- A0.5 atm
- B1 atm
- C2 atm
- D10 atm
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. 2 atm
The total pressure experienced by the diver is the sum of the atmospheric pressure at the surface and the pressure due to the water column. Surface pressure = 1 atm. Pressure from 10 meters of water = 1 atm. Total pressure = 1 atm (surface) + 1 atm (water) = 2 atm.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This is incorrect; pressure increases with depth.
- B. This represents only the surface pressure, not the total pressure at depth.
- D. This would be the pressure if there was no surface pressure and each meter added 1 atm, or if only the depth pressure was considered and multiplied incorrectly.
Hydrostatic Pressure
Hydrostatic pressure is the pressure exerted by a fluid at equilibrium at a given point within the fluid, due to the force of gravity. It increases with depth.
- Increases with depth (P = ρgh)
- Acts in all directions at a given depth
- Total pressure includes atmospheric pressure at the surface
- Important for diving and underwater structures
Memory trick: Deep Dive: Surface + Water's Weight.