College Physics with MasteringPhysics 7th Edition by Jerry Wilson,Anthony Buffa,Bo Lou

Exercise 73

Consider an air-bubble level that is sitting on a horizontal surface (Fig.). Initially, the air bubble is in the middle of the horizontal glass tube. (a) If the level is pushed and a force is applied to accelerate it, which way would the bubble move Which way would the bubble move if the force is then removed and the level slows down, due to friction (b) Such a level is sometimes used as an "accelerometer" to indicate the direction of the acceleration. Explain the principle involved. [ Hint : Think about pushing a pan of water.]

FIGURE An air-bubble level/accelerometer See Conceptual Question.