Question 9.12:
Compute the bulk modulus of water from the following data: Initial volume = 100.0 litres,
Pressure increase = 100.0 atm (1 atm = 1.013 × 105 Pa), Final volume = 100.5 litres.
Compare the bulk modulus of water with that of air (at constant temperature). Explain in
simple terms why the ratio is so large.

Initial volume, V1=100.01 litres=100.0×10-3 m3

Final volume, V2=100.51 litres=100.5×10-3 m3

Change in volume, V=V2-V1=0.5×10-3 m3

Change in pressure, ΔP = 100.0 atm = 100 × 1.013 × 105 Pa

Bulk modulus is given by,

B=PVV1=P×V1V=100×1.013×105×100×10-30.5×10-3=2.026×109Pa

The bulk modulus of air =1.0×105Pa

Bulk modulus of water Bulk modulus of air =2.026×1091.0×105=2.026×104

This ratio is very high because air is more compressible than water.