Observing the compressibility of different materials in Matter Around Us – Class 9 Science Experiment

Chapter Name: Matter Around Us

Activity Name: Observing the compressibility of different materials in Matter Around Us

Activity Description:

Required Items:

1. 100ml syringe
2. Water
3. Piece of wood

Step by Step Procedure:

1. Take the 100ml syringe and draw the piston to suck in air.
2. Place your finger on the nozzle of the syringe and press. Observe the depth to which the piston moves into the syringe and note whether it is easy or hard to press.
3. Record any change in the volume of air in the syringe during this process.
4. Now, fill the syringe with water and repeat the process of pressing the piston as done with air. Observe and compare the ease of pressing the syringe with water and air.
5. Next, take the piece of wood and press it with your thumb. Observe any changes in its volume during this process.

Experiment Observations:

1. Air in the syringe:
   • Observations:
     • The piston moves easily into the syringe.
     • There is a noticeable change in the volume of air in the syringe when it is compressed.
2. Water in the syringe:
   • Observations:
     • Pressing the syringe with water requires more force compared to air.
     • There is a slight change in the volume of water in the syringe when it is compressed.
3. Wood:
   • Observations:
     • When the wood is pressed with the thumb, it does not compress significantly.
     • There is no apparent change in the volume of the wood during compression.

Precautions:

1. Handle the syringe and the piece of wood with care to avoid any accidents or injuries.
2. Make sure the syringe is clean and free from any contaminants.
3. Use an appropriate amount of force while compressing the materials to avoid damage to the syringe or the wood.

Lesson Learnt from Experiment:

The experiment demonstrates that gases (air) are highly compressible compared to liquids (water) and solids (wood). When the syringe is filled with air, it is easily compressible, and there is a significant change in its volume.

However, when filled with water, the compression is harder, and the change in volume is relatively small. Wood, being a solid, is practically incompressible under the applied force, and there is no noticeable change in its volume.