Piston Conundrum: Does it Move?

[glycerunnin]

Homework Statement

In the picture below, the pressure on either side of the piston is equivalent. The question asks which direction the piston moves (or if it even moves at all).

http://imageshack.us/a/img203/1830/photoon3613at919pm.jpg

Homework Equations

P1*V1 = P2*V2 = C

P = F*A

The Attempt at a Solution

Moving the piston to the left decreases volume in the cylinder, and moving the piston to the right increases the volume in the cylinder, but I see no reason for the piston to move if the pressure on both sides is equal. Also, the force on the right side of the piston is less than that on the left side, making the force greater on the right side if we use the equation P = F*A and pressure is equal on both sides. At first glance it just looks like it will not move, but I feel like I am underthinking it.

 

[ehild]

What is that in the left end of the tube?

ehild

 

[rude man]

What is that in the left end of the tube?

ehild

Probably a stopper.

 

[collinsmark]

Also, the force on the right side of the piston is less than that on the left side, [...]

Well, that depends. What is the pressure on the outside of the entire apparatus? More specifically, how does the pressure on the outside of the apparatus compare to the pressure inside? That plays a role, given that the shaft is sticking out.

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Edit:

Oh, and by the way,

[...] the equation P = F*A [...]

I think you mean F = PA.

 

[Nickie]

I would approach this conundrum by first examining the fundamental principles of fluid mechanics and thermodynamics. The equation P1*V1 = P2*V2 = C, also known as Boyle's Law, states that the pressure and volume of a gas are inversely proportional to each other at a constant temperature. This means that as pressure increases, volume decreases, and vice versa.

In this situation, we can see that the pressure on both sides of the piston is equivalent, so there is no net force acting on the piston. This means that the piston will remain stationary and not move in either direction.

Furthermore, the equation P = F*A tells us that pressure is directly proportional to force, but also inversely proportional to area. This means that even though the pressure is equal on both sides of the piston, the force on the right side is less due to the smaller area. Therefore, the forces on both sides of the piston cancel each other out, resulting in no net force and no movement of the piston.

In conclusion, based on the principles of fluid mechanics and thermodynamics, we can confidently say that the piston will not move in this scenario. It will remain stationary due to the equal pressures and opposing forces acting on it.