In 1656, Otto von Guericke of Magdeburg presented his invention, a vacuum pump, through a demonstration that
Question:
In 1656, Otto von Guericke of Magdeburg presented his invention, a vacuum pump, through a demonstration that became a popular sensation. A metal sphere made of two hemispheres (now known as the Magdeburg hemispheres) was evacuated, so that a vacuum would hold the two pieces together. Von Guericke would then have several horses (by one account, 30 of them, in two teams of 15) pulling, unsuccessfully, to separate the hemispheres. The demonstration would end with the opening of a valve that removed the vacuum and allowed the hemispheres to separate. Suppose that the diameter of the sphere is 50 cm and the sphere is completely evacuated. The sphere is hung from the ceiling and you pull the other half with the force of your body weight. Will the hemispheres come apart? Support your answer with calculations.
Step by Step Answer:
Fundamentals Of Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics
ISBN: 9780132693066
1st Edition
Authors: Themis Matsoukas