The period of water oscillating in a U-tube

In summary, the professor explains that when predicting the period of water oscillating in a U-shaped tube, the length of the water column used should be greater than the average of the length around the outside and inside. This is because the volume and kinetic energy of the water are calculated using this length, and the water on the outside moves faster, causing the sum to not add up to the kinetic energy of the water in the middle.
  • #1
TheLil'Turkey
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In the following lecture (starting at 21:00), the professor says that when predicting the period of water oscillating in a U-shaped tube, that the "length" of the water column that you should use should be greater than the average of the length around the outside and around the inside. Can someone explain this? Thanks.
 
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  • #2
The length is used to calculate the volume of the water, and the volume is used to calculate the kinetic energy of the water if it's moving with a speed v.

The water on the outside will be moving faster than the water on the inside, and because the kinetic energy depends on the square of the speed, the sum won't add up to the kinetic energy of the water in the middle.
 
  • #3
willem2 said:
The length is used to calculate the volume of the water, and the volume is used to calculate the kinetic energy of the water if it's moving with a speed v.

The water on the outside will be moving faster than the water on the inside, and because the kinetic energy depends on the square of the speed, the sum won't add up to the kinetic energy of the water in the middle.
Great explanation. Thanks.
 

What is the period of water oscillating in a U-tube?

The period of water oscillating in a U-tube is the time it takes for the water to complete one full cycle of oscillation, from its highest point to its lowest point and back again. It is typically measured in seconds.

What factors affect the period of water oscillating in a U-tube?

The period of water oscillating in a U-tube can be affected by several factors, including the length and diameter of the U-tube, the temperature and viscosity of the water, and the amplitude of the oscillation.

How is the period of water oscillating in a U-tube calculated?

The period of water oscillating in a U-tube can be calculated using the formula T = 2π√(L/g), where T is the period in seconds, L is the length of the U-tube in meters, and g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s²).

What is the relationship between the period of water oscillating in a U-tube and the amplitude of the oscillation?

The period of water oscillating in a U-tube is independent of the amplitude of the oscillation. This means that the period will remain the same regardless of how high or low the water oscillates within the U-tube.

Why is the period of water oscillating in a U-tube important to understand?

The period of water oscillating in a U-tube is important to understand because it can provide valuable information about the physical properties of the water and the U-tube. It can also be used to make calculations and predictions about the behavior of other oscillating systems.

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