Liquids and Gases: Principles of Fluid Mechanics

by Paul Fleisher, Patricia Keeler (Illustrator)

Have you ever wondered why a 10-tonne boat floats but a tiny pebble sinks? Archimedes knew why. How does a basketball or tennis ball bounce? Robert Boyle could have described how! Can you explain why a hot-air balloon rises but a balloon you blow up drops to the ground? To answer these questions and many more, author Paul Fleisher explains the laws that define how and why liquids and gases behave the way they do. Through simple experiments, detailed illustrations and concepts that are easy to understand, readers are introduced to the basic principles of fluid mechanics in a fun, exciting way.This edition of Paul Fleisher’s Secrets of the Universe has been fully revised by the author and features all of the original illustrations by Patricia Keeler.

Genres: Science

100 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2001

Reviews

[Heather Tully · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love how practical & understanding these books are. Experiments/examples are easy to do at home, helping you understand it better. This was my second reading & I made many more connections.

Pre-read of 2022-2023 educational year.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent middle school physics.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book. Really liked the explanation of air pressure in relation to how an airplane is able to fly.

[Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really great series, with clear explanations and good illustrations of the experiments discussed. 13yo looked forward to reading these.

[Summer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great review and greater explanation of the laws of liquids and gases: Natural Law, Archimedes' Principle, Pascal's Law, Boyle's and Charles' Law, & Bernoulli's Principle!

[Rosie Gearhart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clear and interesting writing, even for this science-averse Mama! Easy experiments. Excellent series for middle school kids.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great intro book to liquids and gases. It was short, interesting, and informative. The text made connections between many of the scientists who discovered each law as well as easy experiments to perform at home to demonstrate the laws. Each chapter was devoted to a different principle and scientist.

In the back are short biographies of the scientists as well as a glossary, index and further print or web resources for kids and adults.

I’m handing this one off to my older kids but will read through it with my youngest and do the experiments at each chapter.