How a Faucet Works
Students learn about faucetsCopyright Wikimedia Commons https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Dropping_faucet.jpg
Students learn about the underlying engineering principals in the inner workings of a simple household object – the faucet. Students use the basic concepts of simple machines, force and fluid flow to describe the path of water through a simple faucet. Lastly, they translate this knowledge into thinking about how different designs of faucets also use these same concepts.
Engineers use the principles of mechanical systems and fluid systems to design many everyday objects, such as the faucet. Engineers use mathematical equations to figure out the associated pressure, force and flow of a fluid in such objects. Another good example of engineering, mechanical and fluid systems used together is a dam and the gates of the dam that hold the water back. As the gates open, the water starts to drain out from the associated reservoir. To prevent disaster, the water pressure on the gate has to be directly proportional to the area of the water that is flowing past the gate. Engineers must know how everything relates in order for all systems to work together.
After this lesson, students should be able to:
- List two engineering concepts used in designing a faucet: simple machines and fluid flow.
- Describe at least one simple machine used in a basic faucet.
- Describe the flow of water in a faucet.