What are the variables that affect the pressure of a gas in a capillary tube?

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The discussion focuses on the variables affecting gas pressure in a capillary tube, emphasizing the relationship between liquid height, gas volume, and pressure. Key equations include the height of liquid above the water level and the isothermal process equation, which relates pressure and volume. The final pressure of the gas is derived from the initial atmospheric pressure and the height of the liquid column. Participants note the complexity of the problem due to multiple variables, such as the radius of curvature and the height of the liquid. The conversation concludes with confirmation of the correct answer and acknowledgment of the need to clarify the variables involved.
AdityaDev
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Homework Statement


11182136_1400729036918497_6635589442655338396_n.jpg


Homework Equations



height of liquid above water level ##h=\frac{2T}{R\rho g}##
for isothermal process :##PV##=constant
And if ##P_0## is atm. pressure, and P is pressure just below the water level in capillary tube, then $$P=P_0-\frac{2T}{R}$$

The Attempt at a Solution



Let y be the height of tube above water level. (beaker is open).
##P_1=P_0##
##V_1=\pi r^2(l-h)##
##V_2=\pi r^2y##
so from equation for isothermal process, final pressure of gas is
##P_2=\frac{P_0(l-h)}{y}##
the gas now exerts ##P_2## pressure on liquid inside tube.
So ##P=\frac{P_0(l-h)}{y}-\frac{2T}{R_1}## since the radius of curvature of liquid surface can change.
 
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Hello Aditya

I think you have approached the problem correctly . But there are too many P's floating around in your work :)

Isn't the answer given as ## y = \frac{P_0(l-h)}{P_0+hρg} ## ?

Could you confirm the answer .
 
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Yes. Your answer is correct.
 
Gthe problem is , there are so many things that MAY vary. The radius of curvature, the height of liquid inside capillary tube, the pressure exerted by the gas, the volume it occupies. I got a new variable R 1. Also my attempt iwrong.is wrong.
let y be the height of tube and h' be the height of liquid inside capillary tube.
##P_1=P_0##
##V_1=\pi r^2(l-h)##
##P_2=?##
##V_2=\pi r^2(y-h')##
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

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