Question #315

In the photograph at the left below are two plastic squeeze bottles which have been filled with sand nearly to the top. The one on the left is then filled with methyl alcohol and the one on the right with pure water.

The two bottles have been carefully filled with their respective fluids so that there are no air bubbles or pockets, and each bottle is gently tapped on the table to encourage the sand grains to move together. The fluid in each bottle extends continuously up to a point along the plastic tube, as seen in the photograph at right above.

Now suppose that I squeeze each one very gently. What will happen?

When I squeeze on the bottles,

• (a) both the water and the alcohol levels in their tubes will rise.
• (b) the level in the alcohol tube will rise, but the level in the water tube will fall.
• (c) the level in the water tube will rise, but the level in the alcohol tube will fall.
• (d) both the water and the alcohol levels in their tubes will fall.

Click here for Answer #315 after April 28, 2008.

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