What are Magdeburg Hemispheres?
Most recent answer: 10/22/2007
Q:
What are Magdeburg hemispheres?
- Chase (age 13)
Sierra Middle School, Parker, Colorado, United States
- Chase (age 13)
Sierra Middle School, Parker, Colorado, United States
A:
Magdeburg Hemispheres are basically halves of a metal ball, with smooth
edges so they fit together very tightly. One half has a small valve on
it that can be used to suck the air out. The surrounding air pressure
(15 lbs per square inch) then makes it very hard to pull the halves
apart. For example, even if the diameter of the sphere is only four
inches, the force needed to pull one half away is over 180 lbs.
This effect shows that air is pressing on everything around us. Of course, we don’t usually notice it because our bodies have grown accustomed to it.
Keep in mind these hemispheres were used before there was common knowledge of air pressure, so they made quite an impression.
Thanks for your question!
-Jeff (w Mike)
This effect shows that air is pressing on everything around us. Of course, we don’t usually notice it because our bodies have grown accustomed to it.
Keep in mind these hemispheres were used before there was common knowledge of air pressure, so they made quite an impression.
Thanks for your question!
-Jeff (w Mike)
(published on 10/22/2007)