Does a Tube's Length Affect Force at the Same PSI?

  • Thread starter alfiez23
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In summary, the force on a piston filled with 10psi does not depend on the size of the tube, but rather on the pressure and area of the piston. This is demonstrated by the fact that a conventional bicycle tire pump requires the same force to operate, regardless of the volume of the tire being filled. The area of the piston remains constant in both cases.
  • #1
alfiez23
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Does a 12" x 1.5"D tube filled with 10psi have more force on an piston than a 6" x 1.5"D tube filled with 10psi?

Or is 10psi the same on an object no matter what size the tank...
 
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  • #2
What is the area this pressure is acting on? Is it the same or different between the two cases?
 
  • #3
The area of the piston would be the same.
 
  • #4
Lets say you have a conventional bicycle tyre pump (eg piston in a tube). The force you need to apply to the pump handle depends on the pressure in the tyre and area of the piston and NOT the volume of the tyre.
 
  • #5


I would say that the answer to this question depends on the context and specific variables involved. In general, pressure (psi) is a measure of force per unit area, so in this scenario, a 12" x 1.5"D tube would have a larger surface area and therefore potentially exert more force on a piston compared to a 6" x 1.5"D tube. However, there are other factors at play such as the material and design of the tubes, the size and shape of the piston, and the surrounding environment. Additionally, the concept of force also takes into account the direction and magnitude of the applied pressure. Therefore, it is not accurate to say that 10psi will have exactly the same force on an object no matter what size the tank is. Further analysis and experimentation would be necessary to determine the specific force exerted in each scenario.
 

FAQ: Does a Tube's Length Affect Force at the Same PSI?

What is PSI?

PSI stands for pounds per square inch. It is a unit of measurement used to quantify pressure, specifically the amount of force applied to a certain area.

How does PSI relate to force?

PSI is a way to measure the amount of force being applied to a surface. The higher the PSI, the greater the force being exerted over a given area.

What are some everyday examples of PSI and force?

Some examples of PSI and force in everyday life include the air pressure in car tires (measured in PSI), the force applied by a person's hand when squeezing a ball, and the pressure exerted by water coming out of a hose.

What is the difference between PSI and pounds of force?

PSI is a unit of measurement for pressure, specifically the amount of force applied to a certain area. Pounds of force is a unit of measurement for the amount of force being exerted. While they are related, they measure different aspects of force.

How is PSI calculated?

PSI is calculated by dividing the force applied (in pounds) by the area over which it is applied (in square inches). This can be expressed in the formula PSI = force/area.

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