Purpose: To illustrate the force on a small area exposed to atmospheric pressure.

Vacuum pump, lifting device suspended from the ceiling and consisting of a transparent cylinder with a moveable piston.

Have a student of mass less than about 90 kg hang by his or her arms from the bar attached to the piston. Turn on the vacuum pump and the student should be lifted. (CAUTION: Be sure the vacuum hose is not kinked.)

The piston diameter is 11.57 cm. Calculate the maximum possible lift (atmospheric pressure is about 100 kN/m²). Try lifting a person whose weight exceeds this amount.

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