Turn Your Bathtub into a Science Lab! Feel the Power of Water Pressure with Rubber Gloves
I’m Ken Kuwako, a science trainer. Every day is an experiment.
Feel the “Invisible Force”! A Fun Experiment on Water Pressure You Can Do in the Bath
Have you ever felt a strange, tight-squeezing sensation when you dive deep into a pool or bathtub? That’s actually the work of water’s “invisible force,” or water pressure.
“I get why the weight of the water from above pushes down on me, but why does it also push from the sides and below?”
That’s a great question, even for a science teacher, and it’s a little tricky to explain. The truth is, water is made of countless tiny particles (water molecules) that are full of energy. They move around constantly and push against us from all directions. And the deeper you go, the more water is piled on top of you, making that force more and more powerful.
If just hearing about this doesn’t quite click, let’s try a simple experiment at home to experience this “force from all directions” for yourself! All you’ll need is a pair of rubber gloves (or plastic gloves).
Your Palm is a Submarine?! The Water Pressure Experiment
The method is super simple. Just fill a bathtub or a deep bucket with water, put on a pair of rubber gloves, and slowly sink your hand in.
So, what’s happening? As you lower your hand, doesn’t the glove stick tightly to your skin, almost like a vacuum seal?
This is proof that the air between your hand and the glove is being squeezed from all directions by the force of the water. The exact same phenomenon that a deep-sea submarine experiences, enduring immense water pressure from all sides, is happening right on your palm!
By the way, stretchy rubber gloves are recommended over plastic gloves because they’ll give you a stronger “suction” sensation. Be sure to try this little big experiment with your kids during bath time. A fun “Whoa, it’s true!” surprise is definitely waiting for you.
Even though it’s this simple, it’s a valuable experience that lets you feel the mysterious rules of the world of water on your own skin. Once you understand this feeling, you’ll surely get an intuitive sense of why a submarine needs to be made of thick steel.
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