Can someone explain this fluids formula to me?

In summary, the equation for hydrostatic lifts is P0 + P1 = P0 + P2 + (rho)gh, where (rho)gh represents the hydrostatic pressure due to the gravity force on a fluid. This is derived from the mass of the fluid times the acceleration of gravity, or m*g, which can also be written as rho*v*g. The force per unit area is equal to rho*g*h, where the volume of fluid is simply the height of the fluid column. Therefore, the force exerted depends on the mass, volume, and height of the fluid above it, not the area.
  • #1
fernancb
28
0

Homework Statement


The question pertains to hydrostatic lifts. So, assuming you have a lift and you're applying pressure to one side and the other side is rising:

P0 + P1 = P0 + P2 + (rho)gh

Now, when we look at the equation, why is it (rho)gh? I'm thinking it's something like mgh, so to convert it to fluids it would be (rho)Vgh why is this?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
rho*g*h is the hydrostatic pressure due to the gravity force on a fluid. Basically, the force a column of fluid will exert on a region beneath it is equal to the mass of the fluid times the acceleration of gravity, or m*g. Mass can also be written as density multiplied by volume, so m*g = rho*v*g. Now, per unit area, the volume of fluid is simply the height of the fluid column, so the force per unit area is equal to rho*g*h.
 
  • #3
Okay, so the force exerted depends just on the the mass/volume/height of the fluid above it. Not the area. Did I get that right?
 

FAQ: Can someone explain this fluids formula to me?

How do you define fluid in this formula?

In this formula, fluid refers to any substance that can flow and take the shape of its container, such as liquids and gases.

What is the purpose of this fluids formula?

This formula is used to calculate the pressure of a fluid at a specific point based on its density, gravitational acceleration, and height.

Can you explain the different variables in this formula?

The variables in this formula are as follows:
- P: pressure of the fluid in Pascals (Pa)
- ρ: density of the fluid in kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³)
- g: gravitational acceleration in meters per second squared (m/s²)
- h: height of the fluid column in meters (m)

How is this formula derived?

This formula is derived from the principles of hydrostatics, which is the study of fluids at rest and the forces acting on them. It is based on the relationship between pressure, density, and height in a fluid column.

Can you provide an example of how this formula is used in real life?

One example is when calculating the pressure at the bottom of a swimming pool. The pressure would be equal to the density of the water multiplied by the gravitational acceleration and the height of the water column. This formula is also used in meteorology to measure air pressure in weather systems.

Similar threads

Calculating Velocity of Water Flow in Open Channel
Replies
11
Views
2K
Fluid Mechanics: Determining Elevation in a Piezometric Tube
Replies
10
Views
3K
What is the issue with calculating the gauge pressure of object B?
Replies
1
Views
3K
Fluid Mechanics Challenging Problem
Replies
10
Views
2K
Bouyant force when there is no liquid beneath an object
Replies
8
Views
2K
Pressure: pgh vs. pgy Please help me distinguish between the two.
Replies
2
Views
10K
What is the Power of a Fluid Pump?
Replies
6
Views
5K
Finding the velocity of fluid through orifice
Replies
6
Views
3K
How to Determine Flow Rate in a Pipe Using Fluid Dynamics?
Replies
1
Views
1K
Fluid Mechanics: Manometry - Fluid through a pipe
Replies
6
Views
5K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top