We will be building two systems. The first will be pneumatic and the second will be hydraulic.
Pull both of the syringes so that they are about halfway out. Put the tips of the syringes into the tubing. Be sure that it is snug.
Note the positions of the plungers using the volume markings. Press the plunger on the 1 mL plunger all the way in. What happened to the other syringe when you did that? Be sure to record the final positions of the plungers.
Press on plunger on the 3 mL syringe all the way in. What happened to the other syringe when you did that? Be sure to record the final positions of the plungers. (Note: You may need to rebuild your pneumatic system after this step.)
Press on both plungers at the same time. Are you able to push them both all the way in?
Press both plungers all the way in and then release the 3 mL plunger. Describe the behavior of the plunger. In particular, pay attention to the speed at which it moves and its final position. Do this several times.
Now repeat the previous step, except release the 1 mL plunger. Compare the behavior of this plunger to the 3 mL plunger.
Feel free to play around with your system before dismantling it. This completes the activity for the pneumatic system.
Use the 3 mL syringe to fill the tubing with water from the cup. The goal is to get the tube almost completely full of water without any air bubbles. (Full except for perhaps a few millimeters.) If you spill water, clean it up.
Fill both syringes half-full of water. You want to have as little air in the syringes as possible.
Note the positions of the plungers using the volume markings. Press the plunger on the 1 mL plunger all the way in. What happened to the other syringe when you did that? Be sure to record the final positions of the plungers.
Press on plunger on the 3 mL syringe, but be careful of breaking the system by pushing too far. (If you break it, clean up the water with paper towels.) What happened to the other syringe when you did that? Be sure to record the final positions of the plungers.
Press on both plungers at the same time. Are you able to push them both all the way in? (Don’t press so hard as to break it. Otherwise, clean up your mess.) As you press, pay attention to the amount of force that you are applying to each syringe. Make a note of any differences that you experience.
Feel free to play around with your system before dismantling it. This completes the activity for the hydraulic system.