Is there water flow against gravity?

In summary: Basically, the weight of the fluid column exerts a downward force, creating a vacuum at the top which is then filled by atmospheric pressure pushing the fluid up. As long as the column remains unbroken and the fluid doesn't evaporate, this equilibrium will be maintained.In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of atmospheric pressure and its effect on a closed tube filled with water. It is explained that the weight of the water column creates a vacuum at the top, which is then filled by atmospheric pressure. This principle is used in fluid-filled barometers and can be maintained as long as the column remains unbroken and the fluid doesn't evaporate.
  • #1
Jpacio
2
0
Hi all,

I have been with this issue for some time and think I reached a conclusion but am not sure and was hoping that you guys could help me out with this.

http://spreadzed.com/water_flow/water.png

I was considering the scenario where you have a closed tube like the one you see in the image. Since there is no upper contact with atmosferic pressure, the water will not fall to the plate. It is also known that, from a specific height, the water column weight overcomes atmosferic pressure, thus allowing the water column to fall parcially. I have calculated that, for a specific atmosferic pressure of 10130 Pa, one would need a water column of 10.13 m to start producing vacuum.

Now, the doubt comes in this case: imagine that, for some reason, the water level goes below the 10.13 m (consequently, adding more vacuum to the top of the tube). Will actually atmosferic pressure force the water up against gravity until it reaches the height of 10.13m?

I hope I could explain this properly. Thanks in advance for your help guys :smile:
 
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  • #2
Yes, and that's exactly the principle behind a fluid-filled barometer (though they use mercury instead of water to reduce the fluid column height and vapor pressure).
 

FAQ: Is there water flow against gravity?

What is water flow against gravity?

Water flow against gravity refers to the movement of water in a direction opposite to the force of gravity. This means that the water is moving from a lower elevation to a higher elevation, which is the opposite of what typically occurs due to the pull of gravity.

Is it possible for water to flow against gravity?

Yes, it is possible for water to flow against gravity. This phenomenon is observed in various natural systems, such as the movement of water in plants from the roots to the leaves, and in man-made systems, such as water pumps and hydraulic systems.

What causes water to flow against gravity?

The movement of water against gravity is primarily caused by pressure differences. When water is pumped or pushed to a higher elevation, the pressure at that point becomes greater than the pressure at the lower elevation. This pressure difference causes the water to flow upwards.

Does water always flow against gravity?

No, water does not always flow against gravity. In most cases, water will flow in the direction of gravity, which is from a higher elevation to a lower elevation. However, there are some exceptions, such as when water is pumped or pushed upwards, or when it is influenced by other forces like surface tension.

What are some real-world applications of water flow against gravity?

Water flow against gravity has many practical applications in our daily lives. Some examples include water pumps used in homes and buildings, hydraulic systems in cars and heavy machinery, and water transportation systems like canals and aqueducts. It is also crucial for the survival of plants, as it allows them to transport water from the roots to the leaves.

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